Worlds Worst Carbon Emitters, Aussies Blow the Most Smoke
 The CO2 Energy Emissions Index compiled by risk assessment company Maplecroft, reveals that Australia in 2009, surpassed the US as the world's highest per capita carbon dioxide emitter generated by energy use. Maplecroft attributes this to Australia's excessive coal-based electricity supply which results in the average Australian emitting 20.58 tons of carbon dioxide a year.
Accounting for 19.78 tons per individual the US comes in second, Canada third followed by the Netherlands then Saudi Arabia. China, now the biggest overall annual emitter of greenhouse gas, was 44th out of the 185 countries listed, emitting 4.6 tons per person. The average person in India emits just 1.2 tons a year.
It is anticipated that Australia, the US and big emerging economies will at the Copenhagen Climate Summit (now underway), be expected to sign a treaty agreeing to cut their emissions significantly.
Copenhagen in brief:
- 192 countries attending talks, including about 100 leaders
- There to discuss emissions cuts and financial measures to combat climate change
- Conference president says political will to address the problem has never been stronger
- South Africa is the latest country to make an emissions reduction offer
- Ends 18 December 2009
To allow poorer nations time to expand their economies before having to significantly reduce their own carbon footprint, China along with other emerging nations are demanding that wealthier countries affect cuts of 40% below 1990 levels by 2020.
Although Australia does have bipartisan support for a 2020 emissions reduction target of 4 to 24 % below 1990 levels, Climate Change spokeswoman Minister Penny Wong said Australia's ''very high'' per capita emissions demonstrated why it was important to introduce an emissions trading scheme.
''As one of the hottest and driest continents on earth, Australia will be among the hardest and fastest-hit by climate change if we don't act now,'' she said.
South Africa has committed to a 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. Our country's greenhouse gases also stem predominantly from the use of coal-burning power stations and thankfully government is now seriously looking towards cleaner energy supply.
Ernest Roper | Webmaster
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