Up, up and up

Global CO2 emissions were up 5.9% in 2010 reaching record levels and are expected to increase by 3.1% this year, according to new research.

The findings by scientists working on the Global Carbon Project (GCP), published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Climate Change, indicate that the burning of fossil fuels, cement production and deforestation have contributed to atmospheric concentrations of CO2 at 389.6 parts per million – the highest recorded level for at least 800,000 years.

Last year saw emissions rise above the average rate of 3.1% over the last decade, led by China (up 10.4%), the US (up 4.1%) and India (up 9.4%). China now accounts for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions (24.6%) and the US 16.4%.

Although governments have pledged to make reductions to CO2 emissions and keep temperature rises to 2°C, one of the report authors warned that the action is not enough.