The analysis of CO2 emissions at the global, European and Spanish levels reveals the complexity of the challenge of moving toward a low-carbon economy. The latest report from the Business & Climate Foundation, prepared using official data, presents the latest data showing how, despite the measures and strategies proposed in various countries, the emissions problem is far from being resolved. Global greenhouse gas (GHG) growth and the disparity in trends across regions make it essential to review both the progress and the difficulties we face.
The international context continues to be marked by the commitments arising from the Paris Agreement. and by geopolitical factors that influence energy and environmental policies. The study highlights both the trajectory of energy emissions and the role played by regulation, permit auctions, and the impact of the economy on the evolution of the carbon footprint.
The global picture: emissions figures
Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 increased by 1,4%., returning to pre-health crisis levels, with a total of more than 37.000 billion tons of CO2. The average per capita CO0,5 emissions rose by 4,29%, reaching 2 tons of COXNUMX per inhabitant per year.
China and the United States account for almost half of global emissions, with 44,3%, followed by India, Russia, and Japan, which together account for another 15,7%. The three largest emitters alone account for more than half of the global total, highlighting the importance of a small group of countries in the climate landscape.
Europe: an example of sustained reduction
In the face of the general increase, Europe shows a downward trend in its emissions, with a drop of 2,5%. compared to the previous year, resuming the reduction trajectory that was only briefly interrupted in 2021. In total, Europe emitted 3.400 billion tonnes of CO2, down from 3.600 billion in the previous year.
Within Europe, there are notable differences: Luxembourg achieved the largest relative decrease with 12,7% less, while Estonia increased its figures by 10,9%. Another important aspect is the continued reduction in emissions regulated by the European Directive, which fell by 15,8% compared to the previous year, approaching even better figures than in 2020.
Spain: recent increase but downward trend
Spain suffered a 2022% increase in emissions in 2,4 of greenhouse gases compared to the previous year. This figure contrasts with the downward trend since 1990, which reflects a 3,7% drop in that period. The total CO246 emissions reached 2 million tons, compared to 244 million the previous year.
When analyzing at the regional level, Andalusia remains the region with the highest emissions, with nearly 39 million tons of CO2, while Ceuta experienced the largest relative increase compared to the previous year (21,5%). Conversely, Castile and León stood out for the largest relative reduction in emissions, with a 6,1% drop.
Spain occupies a prominent position in regulation and trading of emissions rightsAlong with Germany, Poland, Italy, and France, it leads the way in permit acquisition, accumulating 65,6% of the total permits auctioned in 2024. Spain ranks fourth with 10,4% of the acquisitions.
Factors that drive and hinder emissions reduction
The evolution of emissions is conditioned by multiple factors. On the one hand, The rising cost per ton of CO2 and European regulations are accelerating the transformation in strategic sectors., such as energy and industry. The promotion of renewable energy and the application of clean technologies is enabling significant progress in some areas, although not enough to reverse the global increase.
On the other hand, The rapid development of technological activities, such as artificial intelligence, poses new challenges, as it can lead to a growth in energy consumption and emissions if it is not accompanied by a greater implementation of renewable sources throughout the world.
The challenges of compensation solutions
Many stakeholders believe that planting trees can help offset emissions; however, A recent scientific study warns that the surface area needed to neutralize only the emissions of the 200 largest oil companies on the planet would be equivalent to North and Central America combined.This option is unviable on a global scale and could cause negative impacts on existing communities and ecosystems, making it an insufficient solution to address the problem of excess CO2.
The challenge of reducing CO2 emissions requires a global, coordinated, and sustained approach, with energy transition, innovation, and regulation playing central roles. It is essential to recognize the physical and social limits of compensatory proposals. Although Europe and some regions are moving in the right direction, the global pace is still far from sufficient to curb climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.
