Or, as rational people would say: “Standard of living rising in China”
The average Chinese person’s carbon footprint is now almost on a par with the average European’s, figures released on Wednesday reveal.
China became the largest national emitter of CO2 in 2006, though its emissions per person have always been lower than those in developed countries such as Europe.
But today’s report, which only covers emissions from energy, by the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and the European commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) show that per capita emissions in China increased by 9% in 2011 to reach 7.2 tonnes per person, only a fraction lower than the EU average of 7.5 tonnes.
The figure for the US is still much higher – at 17.3 tonnes – though total Chinese CO2 emissions are now around 80% higher than those of America. This widening gap reflects a 9% increase in total emissions in China in 2011, driven mainly by rising coal use, compared with a 2% decline in the US.
Total emissions in Europe and Japan also fell last year, by 3% and 2% respectively. But emissions rose across much of the developing world, including India, which saw a 6% increase. As a result, OECD nations now account for only around a third of the global total.
“total Chinese CO2 emissions are now around 80% higher than those of America“? I think that belongs in the typo file – maybe 8% higher for an annual figure but they are working on it. With saboteurs still controlling the White House and Senate China may achieve US +80% in the not-too-distant future.
