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Global climate change

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

01 Overview
Global historical CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry 1750-2020 02
Global ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020 03
Northern Hemisphere's sea ice extent in December 1980-2020 04
Global climate risk index 2019, by select country 05
Climate Change Performance Index 2021, by country 06
Public belief in the climate emergency worldwide 2020, by country 07

02 Greenhouse gas emissions


Annual global emissions of carbon dioxide 2000-2019 09
Global carbon dioxide budget from anthropogenic sources 2010-2020 10
Global increase in abundance of key greenhouse gases 1750-2019 11
Global carbon dioxide emissions 1965-2020, by region 12
Largest global emitters of carbon dioxide by country 2019 13
Global carbon dioxide emission intensity by select country 2018 14
Table of Contents

03 Weather-related changes
Global land and ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020 16
Minimum Arctic sea ice extent 2007-2020 17
Global economic losses from weather catastrophes 2000-2020 18
Global regional temperature change by decade 1910-2019 19

04 Tackling climate change


Worldwide investment in clean energy 2004-2019 21
Global clean energy investment growth rate 2005-2020 22
Global renewable energy investments 2019, by region 23
Global renewable energy consumption 2000-2020 24
Countries with NDCs and set laws and policies for emissions 2018 25
Global green bonds issued 2019, by leading country 26
Global investment in carbon capture and storage 2018-2020, by region 27
Table of Contents

05 Outlook
World population - forecast about the development 2015-2100 29
Global CO2 emissions 2018-2050 30
Global energy-related CO2 emissions by fuel type 1990-2050 31
Global emissions of air pollutants by compound 2015-2050 32
Potential regional carbon capture investment 2019 33
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Overview
Historical carbon dioxide emissions from global fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes from
1750 to 2020* (in billion metric tons)
Global historical CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry 1750-2020

40

35

30
Emissions in billion metric tons

25

20

15

10

**
50

60

70

80

90

00

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

00

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

00

10

19

20
17

17

17

17

17

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

18

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

20

20

20

20
Note(s): Worldwide; 1750 to 2019
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 35.
2 Source(s): Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein, et al.); ID 264699 Overview
Annual anomalies in global ocean surface temperature from 1880 to 2020, based on temperature
departure (in degrees Celsius)
Global ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020

1.0

0.8
Temperature departure in degrees Celsius

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

-0.2

-0.4

-0.6
18 0
18 3
18 6
18 9
18 2
18 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
20 7
20 0
20 3
20 6
20 9
20 2
20 5
18
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
9
0
0
0
0
1
1
18

Note(s): Worldwide; 1880 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 36.
3 Source(s): NOAA; ID 736147 Overview
Extent of sea ice in December in the Northern Hemisphere from 1980 to 2020 (in million square
kilometers)
Northern Hemisphere's sea ice extent in December 1980-2020

16

14 13.21 13.25 13.36 13.09 12.89


12.23 12.15 12.18 12.35
11.83 12.01 12.04 11.86 11.9 11.77
11.74
12 11.46
Extent in million square kilometers

10

0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 1980 to 2020; as measured in December of each year.


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 37.
4 Source(s): National Snow and Ice Data Center; ID 505568 Overview
Climate risk index of the most affected countries worldwide in 2019
Global climate risk index 2019, by select country

Climate risk index score


0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

Mozambique 2.67

Japan 5.5

Zimbabwe 6.17

The Bahamas 6.5

Malawi 15.17

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 16

India 16.67

South Sudan 17.33

Niger 18.17

Bolivia 19.67

Note(s): Worldwide; 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 38.
5 Source(s): Germanwatch; Munich Re; ID 950057 Overview
Countries with the highest achievements in climate protection based on Climate Change
Performance Index 2021
Climate Change Performance Index 2021, by country

Index score
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Sweden 74.42

United Kingdom 69.66

Denmark 69.42

Morocco 67.59

Norway 65.45

Chile 64.05

India 63.98

Finland 62.63

Malta 62.21

Latvia 61.88

Switzerland 60.85

Lithuania 58.03

European Union (28) 57.29

Portugal 56.8

Croatia 56.69

Note(s): Worldwide; 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 39.
6 Source(s): Germanwatch; ID 266138 Overview
Which countries consider climate change as a global emergency?
Public belief in the climate emergency worldwide 2020, by country

Share of respondents
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

United Kingdom 81%

Italy 81%

Japan 79%

France 77%

Germany 77%

South Africa 76%

Canada 75%

Philippines 74%

Australia 72%

Spain 71%

Indonesia 69%

Georgia 68%

Morocco 68%

Turkey 67%

Jordan 67%

Note(s): Worldwide; October 7 to December 4, 2020; 14 years and older; 1.22 million; survey was distributed to people via advertising on mobile gaming networks.
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 40.
7 Source(s): UNDP; University of Oxford; ID 1201071 Overview
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Greenhouse gas emissions


Annual global CO2 emissions from 2000 to 2019 (in billion metric tons)
Annual global emissions of carbon dioxide 2000-2019

Fossil fuel and industry emissions Land-use change emissions

40

35

30
Emissions in billion metric tons

25

20

15

10

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020*

Note(s): Worldwide
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 41.
9 Source(s): Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al.); ID 276629 Greenhouse gas emissions
Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 2010 to 2020 (in billion metric tons)*
Global carbon dioxide budget from anthropogenic sources 2010-2020

Fossil fuels & industry Land-use change Atmospheric growth Ocean sink Land sink

40

35
CO2 emissions in billion metric tons

30

25

20

15

10

0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020**

Note(s): Worldwide; 2010 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 42.
10 Source(s): Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al. (2020)); ID 500944 Greenhouse gas emissions
Increase in global greenhouse gas abundance in 2019 relative to 1750*, by gas
Global increase in abundance of key greenhouse gases 1750-2019

260%
Increase in greenhouse gas abundance

148%

123%

Methane Carbon dioxide Nitrous oxide

Note(s): Worldwide
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 43.
11 Source(s): World Meteorological Organization; ID 276596 Greenhouse gas emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 1965 to 2020, by region* (in million metric tons of carbon
dioxide)
Global carbon dioxide emissions 1965-2020, by region

Asia Pacific North America Europe Middle East Commonwealth of Independent States Africa South & Central America

40,000

35,000

30,000
Emissions in million metric tons

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 1965 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 44.
12 Source(s): BP; ID 205966 Greenhouse gas emissions
Largest producers of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2019, by share of emissions
Largest global emitters of carbon dioxide by country 2019

Share of CO2 emissions


0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

China 27.92%

United States of America 14.5%

India 7.17%

Russian Federation 4.6%

Japan 3.03%

Iran 2.13%

Germany 1.92%

Indonesia 1.69%

South Korea 1.67%

Saudi Arabia 1.59%

Canada 1.58%

South Africa 1.31%

Brazil 1.27%

Mexico 1.2%

Australia 1.12%

Note(s): Worldwide; Based on total emissions of 36,441 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 45.
13 Source(s): Global Carbon Project (Global Carbon Atlas); Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al. (2020)); ID 271748 Greenhouse gas emissions
Carbon dioxide emission intensity worldwide in 2018, by select country (in kilograms per U.S.
dollar)
Global carbon dioxide emission intensity by select country 2018

CO2 emission intensity in kilograms per U.S. dollar


0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

China 0.51

Canada 0.4

Saudi Arabia 0.4

United States 0.33

India 0.29

Japan 0.27

New Zealand 0.26

Mexico 0.25

Germany 0.24

Brazil 0.16

United Kingdom 0.15

Note(s): Worldwide; 2018


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 46.
14 Source(s): World Energy Council; ID 787868 Greenhouse gas emissions
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Weather-related changes
Annual anomalies in global land and ocean surface temperature from 1880 to 2020, based on
temperature departure (in degrees Celsius)
Global land and ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020

1.2

1.0
Temperature departure in degrees Celsius

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

-0.2

-0.4

-0.6
18 0
18 3
18 6
18 9
18 2
18 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
19 7
19 0
19 3
19 6
19 9
19 2
19 5
19 8
19 1
19 4
20 7
20 0
20 3
20 6
20 9
20 2
20 5
18
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
9
0
0
0
0
1
1
18

Note(s): Worldwide; 1880 to 2020; values are based on temperature difference from the 20th century average.
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 47.
16 Source(s): NOAA; ID 224893 Weather-related changes
Minimum Arctic sea ice extent from September 2007 to September 2020* (in million square
kilometers)
Minimum Arctic sea ice extent 2007-2020

5.5

5.0
Extent in million square kilometers

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
September of

Note(s): Worldwide
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 48.
17 Source(s): National Snow and Ice Data Center; ID 242340 Weather-related changes
Weather catastrophe economic losses globally from 2000 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Global economic losses from weather catastrophes 2000-2020

500 472

450

400
Economic loss in billion U.S. dollars

350 336

300
267 262 258 258
248 244
250 226
208
196
200 181
163 156
150 128 127 125
118
104 98
90
100

50

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 2000 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 49.
18 Source(s): Aon; ID 818411 Weather-related changes
Change in average temperature by decade worldwide from 1910 to 2019, by region (in degrees
Celsius)*
Global regional temperature change by decade 1910-2019

Asia Africa North America Europe South America Oceania

1.5
Temperature change in degrees Celsius

1.0

0.5

0.0

-0.5

-1.0
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s**

Note(s): Worldwide; 1910s to 2010s


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 50.
19 Source(s): Time; NOAA; ID 1054149 Weather-related changes
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Tackling climate change


New investment in clean energy worldwide from 2004 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Worldwide investment in clean energy 2004-2019

350 331.4
317.3
296 301.7
288.1 293.9
300 286.6

253.7
Investment in billion U.S. dollars

250 238.5
231.7

200
177.9
167.8
147.4
150

103.4
100
69

50 36.8

0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Note(s): Worldwide; 2004 to 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 51.
21 Source(s): BloombergNEF; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre; ID 186807 Tackling climate change
Annual growth rate in clean energy investments worldwide from 2005 to 2020
Global clean energy investment growth rate 2005-2020

60%

50% 48%
43%
40%
40%
33%

30%
Annual growth

20%
20% 17%
13% 12%
10%
3% 2%
1% 0.22%
0%

-10% -8% -8%


-10% -10%

-20%
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 2005 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 52.
22 Source(s): BloombergNEF; ID 502210 Tackling climate change
New investments in renewable energy worldwide in 2019, by region (in billion U.S. dollars)
Global renewable energy investments 2019, by region

Investment in billion U.S. dollars


0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

China 90.1

United States 59

Europe 58.4

Asia and Oceania (excluding China and India) 48.2

Middle East and Africa 15.4

Americas (excluding U.S. and Brazil) 12.8

India 11.2

Brazil 6.8

Note(s): Worldwide; 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 53.
23 Source(s): Bloomberg; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre; ID 186923 Tackling climate change
Renewable energy consumption worldwide from 2000 to 2020* (in exajoules)
Global renewable energy consumption 2000-2020

35

30

25
Consumption in exajoules

20

15

10

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 2000 to 2020


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 54.
24 Source(s): BP; ID 274101 Tackling climate change
Number of countries with set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and set laws and policies
for emissions worldwide as of 2018
Countries with NDCs and set laws and policies for emissions 2018

Covered by economy wide targets Not covered by economy wide targets

180

156
160
139
140

120
Number of countries

100

80

57
60
40
40

20

0
Nationally determined contributions National laws and policies

Note(s): Worldwide
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 55.
25 Source(s): Grantham Research Institute; WRI; University of Leeds; ID 940038 Tackling climate change
Value of emerging market green bonds issued in 2019, by leading country (in million U.S. dollars)
Global green bonds issued 2019, by leading country

70,000

58,995.8
60,000

50,000
Amount in million U.S. dollars

40,000

31,357.5
30,000 27,004
22,549

20,000
15,910.7

10,000

0
U.S. France Netherlands Germany China

Note(s): Worldwide; 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 56.
26 Source(s): Environmental Finance; ID 1207366 Tackling climate change
Investments in carbon capture and storage worldwide from 2018 to 2020, by region (in billion U.S.
dollars)
Global investment in carbon capture and storage 2018-2020, by region

Americas Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

3.5

3.0
Investment in billion U.S. dollars

2.5

2.0

2.8
1.5

1.0
0.1
0.1
0.5
0.7 0.8

0.2
0.0
2018 2019 2020

Note(s): Worldwide; 2018 to 2020; expenditure commitment considered only if recipient is announced.
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 57.
27 Source(s): BloombergNEF; ID 1208647 Tackling climate change
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Outlook
Forecast about the development of the world population from 2015 to 2100 (in billions)
World population - forecast about the development 2015-2100

12

10
World population in billions

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2060 2065 2070 2075 2080 2085 2090 2095 2100

Note(s): Worldwide; 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 58.
29 Source(s): UN DESA; ID 262618 Outlook
Forecast of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 2018 to 2050 (in billion metric tons)
Global CO2 emissions 2018-2050

50

45 43.08
40.78
40 38.82
37.46
35.7 36.41
35.32 35.34
Emissions in billion metric tons

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
2018 2020* 2025* 2030* 2035* 2040* 2045* 2050*

Note(s): Worldwide; 2018


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 59.
30 Source(s): EIA; ID 263980 Outlook
Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 1990 to 2050, by fuel (in billion metric
tons)
Global energy-related CO2 emissions by fuel type 1990-2050

Natural gas Liquids Coal

18

16

14
Emissions in billion metric tons

12

10

0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018 2020* 2025* 2030* 2035* 2040* 2045* 2050*

Note(s): Worldwide; 1990 to 2018


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 60.
31 Source(s): EIA; ID 242204 Outlook
Air pollutant emissions worldwide from 2015 to 2050, by compound (in million metric tons)
Global emissions of air pollutants by compound 2015-2050

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen oxides (NOx) Ammonia Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Black carbon Organic particulates Carbon monoxide

1,800

1,600

1,400
Emissions in million metric tnos

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0
2015 2020* 2025* 2030* 2035* 2040* 2045* 2050*

Note(s): Worldwide; 2015


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 61.
32 Source(s): MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change; ID 1014091 Outlook
Potential global investment in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) between 2020 and
2030, by region (in billion U.S. dollars)
Potential regional carbon capture investment 2019

45
41
40

35
32
Investment in billion U.S. dollars

30

25

20

14
15

10

0
U.S. Europe Rest of world

Note(s): Worldwide; 2019


Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 62.
33 Source(s): BCG; EIA; Environmental Protection Agency; European Commission; Global CCS Institute; ID 1170559 Outlook
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

References
Historical carbon dioxide emissions from global fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes from
1750 to 2020* (in billion metric tons)
Global historical CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry 1750-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
The carbon dioxide emissions released by global fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes have seen a
Source(s) Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein, et al.) dramatic rise since the birth of the industrial revolution. Most recently in 2019, the world saw roughly 36.44 billion
metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted. However, projections for 2020 show a noticeable reduction in emissions
Conducted by Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein, et al.)
due to the impacts of COVID-19 .
Survey period 1750 to 2019

Region(s) Worldwide Carbon dioxide emissions

Number of respondents n.a. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, naturally occurring gas that is released after people and animals inhale oxygen. It
is a greenhouse gas, meaning it absorbs and releases thermal radiation which in turn creates the “greenhouse
Age group n.a.
effect”. In addition to other greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is also a major contributor to the ability of the
Special characteristics n.a. Earth to maintain a habitable temperature. Without carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, Earth would be
too cold to live on. However, while carbon dioxide alone is not a harmful gas, the abundance of it is what causes
Published by Global Carbon Project climate change. The increased use of electricity, transportation, and deforestation in human society, have
resulted in the increased emission of carbon dioxide. This in turn has seen a rise in earth’s temperature .
Publication date December 2020
Fossil fuel emissions
Original source icos-cp.eu
Coal, liquids, and natural gas are set to continue being major sources of emissions in the coming decades. Of
Website URL visit the website these fossil fuels, coal is the most polluting., and a main reason why China emits the highest amounts of carbon
dioxide in the world .
Notes: * Original data have been converted from million metric tons of carbon to
units of carbon dioxide by multiplying by 3.664. **Projected. The values
have been rounded.

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35 References
Annual anomalies in global ocean surface temperature from 1880 to 2020, based on temperature
departure (in degrees Celsius)
Global ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2020, ocean surface temperatures were around 0.76 degrees Celsius warmer than the 20th century average.
Source(s) NOAA Oceans are responsible for absorbing over 90 percent of the Earth's excess heat from global warming.
Conducted by NOAA

Survey period 1880 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by NOAA

Publication date March 2021

Original source ncdc.noaa.gov

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Global and hemispheric anomalies are with respect to the 20th century
average.

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36 References
Extent of sea ice in December in the Northern Hemisphere from 1980 to 2020 (in million square
kilometers)
Northern Hemisphere's sea ice extent in December 1980-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
In 1995, the December sea ice extent in Northern Hemisphere reached almost 13.1 million square kilometers. By
Source(s) National Snow and Ice Data Center 2020, the sea ice extent in December had reduced to 11.77 million square kilometers.
Conducted by National Snow and Ice Data Center

Survey period 1980 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics as measured in December of each year.

Published by National Snow and Ice Data Center

Publication date February 2021

Original source ncdc.noaa.gov

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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37 References
Climate risk index of the most affected countries worldwide in 2019
Global climate risk index 2019, by select country

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2019, Mozambique was the most affected country, accounting for a climate risk index (CRI) of 2.6, due to the
Source(s) Germanwatch; Munich Re deadly tropical Cyclone Idai. Labelled as one of the worst weather-related catastrophes in the history of Africa,
the cyclone wrecked havoc in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Conducted by Munich Re

Survey period 2019

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Germanwatch

Publication date January 2021

Original source Global Climate Risk Index 2021, page 8

Website URL visit the website

Notes: The Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) analyses quantified impacts of
extreme weather events - both in terms of fatalities as well as economic
losses that occurred. It analyzes the loss figures of 180 countries from
2019 and the period between 2000 to 2019 were taken into account. The
CRI examines both [...] For more information visit our Website

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38 References
Countries with the highest achievements in climate protection based on Climate Change
Performance Index 2021
Climate Change Performance Index 2021, by country

Description
Source and methodology information
Based on the 2021 Climate Change Performance Index, Sweden was ranked as the country with the highest
Source(s) Germanwatch achievement in climate protection. Sweden has established a goal to reach net zero emissions by 2045,
although critics noted that the country lacks a strategy to reach this target. In this year, no country has achieved
Conducted by Germanwatch
enough to be placed into the top three.
Survey period 2020
Greenhouse gas emissions
Region(s) Worldwide After three years of carbon dioxide emissions stabilization, emissions have risen again along with primary energy
demand. Emission intensity can act as a measurement of how economic growth is linked is to carbon dioxide
Number of respondents n.a. emissions. For example, North America has a much higher emission intensity than sub-Saharan Africa . To
achieve a reduction in emissions, societies must strive for decarbonization, where we reduce the amount of
Age group n.a.
carbon inputs into greenhouse gas emissions, which can in turn allow for more resilience to climate change.
Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Germanwatch Energy industry and renewables
The energy industry is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions . Shifting towards using
Publication date December 2020 primarily renewable power is key to mitigating emissions. However, decreasing energy use can also reduce
emissions, although, traditionally low energy using countries have rapidly increased their energy use over the
Original source ccpi.org
last few years .
Website URL visit the website

Notes: The values have been rounded. The Index evaluates 57 countries and the
European Union which are responsible for more than 90 percent of global
GHG emissions. It measures promises and evaluates the countries' 2030
targets in emissions, renewable energy, and energy use, as well as
looking at current p [...] For more information visit our Website

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39 References
Which countries consider climate change as a global emergency?
Public belief in the climate emergency worldwide 2020, by country

Description
Source and methodology information
As of 2020, around 81 percent of the respondents in the United Kingdom and Italy supported the idea that
Source(s) UNDP; University of Oxford climate change is a global crisis. On the other hand, respondents from Sri Lanka and Moldova had the least
belief in a climate emergency.
Conducted by University of Oxford; UNDP

Survey period October 7 to December 4, 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents 1.22 million

Age group 14 years and older

Special characteristics survey was distributed to people via advertising on mobile gaming
networks.

Published by UNDP; University of Oxford

Publication date January 2021

Original source The Peoples' Climate Vote, page 16

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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40 References
Annual global CO2 emissions from 2000 to 2019 (in billion metric tons)
Annual global emissions of carbon dioxide 2000-2019

Description
Source and methodology information
Over the past 20 years, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and industry have been steadily
Source(s) Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al.) increasing. At the turn of the century, global emissions were roughly 23 billion metric tons, but by 2019 had
reached a record high of 36.44 billion metric tons. Projections for 2020 show a reduction of two billion metric
Conducted by Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al.)
tons. The only other time during this period when emissions have dropped was in 2009, which was due to the
Survey period 2000 to 2019 economic downturn of the global recession. Historically, major global events cause emission reductions .

Region(s) Worldwide Impact of COVID-19  

Number of respondents n.a. The 2009 global recession caused worldwide CO2 emissions to reduce by approximately 300 million metric tons.
However, it is projected that the emission reductions caused by COVID-19 will amount to an unprecedented
Age group n.a.
2,500 million metric tons worldwide. Countries around the world were put under strict lockdowns, meaning
Special characteristics n.a. transportation and industrial activities were significantly reduced. CO2 emission levels in India dropped  or the
first time in four decades in the year ending March 2020. This was mainly because of the strict lockdowns put in
Published by Global Carbon Project place.

Publication date December 2020 Energy demand driving emissions  

Original source icos-cp.eu
 espite the projected reductions in 2020, they will have little impact on climate change  verall. The energy sector
Website URL visit the website is the main cause for the rise in CO2 emissions, and global energy demand  s expected to continue increasing in
the coming decades, as populations and economies grow.
Notes: * Original data have been converted from million metric tons of carbon to
units of carbon dioxide by multiplying by 3.664. The values have been
rounded.

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41 References
Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 2010 to 2020 (in billion metric tons)*
Global carbon dioxide budget from anthropogenic sources 2010-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
This statistic displays the carbon dioxide budget caused by anthropogenic activities worldwide from 2010 to
Source(s) Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al. (2020)) 2020. In 2019, the global carbon dioxide emissions due to land-use change was 6.6 billion metric tons of carbon
dioxide.
Conducted by Global Carbon Project; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al. (2020))

Survey period 2010 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Global Carbon Project

Publication date December 2020

Original source icos-cp.eu

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Original data have been converted from billion metric tons of carbon to
units of carbon dioxide by multiplying by 3.664. **Projections The values
have been rounded.

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42 References
Increase in global greenhouse gas abundance in 2019 relative to 1750*, by gas
Global increase in abundance of key greenhouse gases 1750-2019

Description
Source and methodology information
This statistic represents the increase in the abundance of key greenhouse gases in 2018 relative to 1750. Key
Source(s) World Meteorological Organization greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The abundance of CO2
has increased by 260 percent over this period.
Conducted by World Meteorological Organization

Survey period 1750 to 2019

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by World Meteorological Organization

Publication date November 2020

Original source WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, No. 16, November 23, 2020, page 2

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Assuming a pre-industrial mixing ratio of 278 parts per million for CO2,
722 parts per billion for CH4, and 270 parts per billion for N2O.

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43 References
Carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 1965 to 2020, by region* (in million metric tons of carbon
dioxide)
Global carbon dioxide emissions 1965-2020, by region

Description
Source and methodology information
The Asia-Pacific region produced 16.75 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. This was more
Source(s) BP than the combined total emissions of all other regions that year. China alone accounted for nearly 60 percent of
Asia-Pacific CO2 emissions, and 31 percent of the global total. The second most polluting region in 2020 was
Conducted by BP
North America, where 5.3 billion metric tons of CO2 were emitted. Emissions in Europe and North America fell
Survey period 1965 to 2020 roughly 12 percent in 2020 compared to 2019 levels, while those in the Asia-Pacific region reduced by roughly
2.5 percent.
Region(s) Worldwide
COVID-19 causes emissions reductions
Number of respondents n.a.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 resulted in strict lockdowns and restrictions being imposed in a bid to slow
Age group n.a.
the spread of the virus. This caused dramatic emission reductions worldwide, as travel and industrial activities
Special characteristics n.a. were disrupted. Some of the most significant reductions occurred in early 2020, when many of the first
lockdowns were introduced. In April 2020, global energy-related CO2 emissions fell more than 14 percent when
Published by BP compared to the same month the previous year.

Publication date July 2021 Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations

Original source BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2021
Although annual emissions fell substantially as a result of COVID-19, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2
Website URL visit the website reached a record high in 2020, averaging more than 414 parts per million. The increased burning of fossil fuels -
as well as deforestation and other human activities - has seen atmospheric CO2 levels increase massively in
Notes: * The carbon emissions in this statistic reflect only those emissions recent decades. CO2 is the primary contributor to climate change.
produced through consumption of oil, gas and coal, and are based on
standard global average conversion factors. This does not allow for any
carbon that is sequestered, for other sources of carbon emissions, or for
emissions of oth [...] For more information visit our Website

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44 References
Largest producers of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2019, by share of emissions
Largest global emitters of carbon dioxide by country 2019

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2019, China was the biggest emitter of fossil fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With a share of almost 30
Source(s) Global Carbon Project (Global Carbon Atlas) ; Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et percent of the world’s total CO2 emissions that year, this was roughly twice the amount emitted by the second
al. (2020)) largest emitter the United States.

Conducted by Expert(s) (Friedlingstein et al. (2020))

Survey period 2019 Cumulative emissions

Region(s) Worldwide Although China currently emits the highest levels of CO2 annually, it has emitted far less than the United States
over the past three centuries. Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. reached 367 billion metric tons by
Number of respondents n.a. 2018. Since the birth of the Industrial Revolution more than 200 years ago, cumulative global CO2 emissions
have increased dramatically. However, emissions started to increase more rapidly as of the 1960’s.
Age group n.a.

Special characteristics Based on total emissions of 36,441 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
Impact of COVID-19 on emissions
Published by Global Carbon Project
Throughout history, major events such as wars and recessions have caused emission levels to fall. In 2020,
Publication date December 2020 COVID-19 led to a drop in emissions as governments enforced strict lockdowns. Travel bans around the world
meant the transportation sector experienced significant emission reductions. By April 2020, aviation emissions
Original source globalcarbonatlas.org
had fallen 60 percent, relative to annual mean daily emissions in 2019.
Website URL visit the website

Notes: *Based on total emissions of 36,441 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

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45 References
Carbon dioxide emission intensity worldwide in 2018, by select country (in kilograms per U.S.
dollar)
Global carbon dioxide emission intensity by select country 2018

Description
Source and methodology information
This statistic depicts the carbon dioxide emission intensity worldwide in 2018, broken down by select country.
Source(s) World Energy Council During this year, China had an average carbon dioxide emission intensity of 0.51 kilograms of carbon dioxide
emitted per U.S. dollar.
Conducted by World Energy Council

Survey period 2018

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by World Energy Council

Publication date October 2018

Original source World Energy Council - 2018 Energy Trilemma Index, page 62-144

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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46 References
Annual anomalies in global land and ocean surface temperature from 1880 to 2020, based on
temperature departure (in degrees Celsius)
Global land and ocean temperature anomalies 1880-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Temperature anomalies provide the difference from an average or baseline temperature. Positive anomalies
Source(s) NOAA show that the observed temperature was warmer than the baseline, whereas a negative anomaly indicates that
the observed temperature was lower than baseline. Since the 1980s, annual temperature departure from the
Conducted by NOAA
20th century has been consistently positive. In 2020, the land and ocean surface temperature anomaly stood at
Survey period 1880 to 2020 0.98 degrees Celsius. Temperature anomalies are generally more important in the study of climate change than
absolute temperature. This is because when calculating average absolute temperatures, factors like station
Region(s) Worldwide location and elevation may have critical impacts on absolute temperatures, but be less significant in anomaly
calculations.
Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.
A warming planet
Special characteristics values are based on temperature difference from the 20th century The past years were the warmest years on record, where warming was driven largely by increased emissions of
average. carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change is also evident in the warming
ocean surface temperatures as well as the extent of sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere, which usually reaches
Published by NOAA its peak in December . Weather dynamics can affect regional temperatures and thus, the level of warming can
vary around the world. For example, warming trends are most obvious in the Arctic region with the continued
Publication date January 2021 loss of sea ice .
Original source ncdc.noaa.gov

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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47 References
Minimum Arctic sea ice extent from September 2007 to September 2020* (in million square
kilometers)
Minimum Arctic sea ice extent 2007-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Artic sea ice reached a minimum extent of 3.74 million square kilometers (1.44 million square miles) on
Source(s) National Snow and Ice Data Center September 15, 2020. This is the second lowest minimum ice extent recorded. Artic sea ice typically reaches its
minimum in September, after melting during the summer. September Arctic sea ice has been decreasing at a
Conducted by National Snow and Ice Data Center
rate of almost 13 percent per decade since 1979, indicating the impacts of climate change .
Survey period 2007 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by National Snow and Ice Data Center

Publication date September 2020

Original source nsidc.org

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * The figures refer to month's minimum. Please note that the minimum
extent was reached on different dates during September of the respective
year. The figures for 2007 through 2019 are taken from previous press
releases.

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48 References
Weather catastrophe economic losses globally from 2000 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Global economic losses from weather catastrophes 2000-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Weather catastrophes caused economic losses of 258 billion U.S. dollars worldwide in 2020. Sudden
Source(s) Aon cataclysmic disasters cause devastation on impact. Some weather and climate-related extreme events are
storms, floods, heat waves, cold waves, droughts, and forest fires. Climate-related hazards pose risks to human
Conducted by Aon
health and can lead to substantial economic losses.
Survey period 2000 to 2020
Global natural disaster economic loss
Region(s) Worldwide The economic damage caused by disasters varies based on geography and affects natural resources. Capital
assets and infrastructure, along with the loss of life, disrupt the economic structure. In 2020, the economic loss
Number of respondents n.a. due to natural disasters globally was nearly 268 billion U.S. dollars, and tropical cyclones generated the highest
loss that year.
Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a. Billion-dollar natural disaster events in the United States

Published by Aon The United States experienced nearly two dozen billion-dollar disasters in 2020. At an economic loss of almost
18 billion U.S. dollars, Hurricane Laura , a Category 4 storm that landed on the Louisiana coast in August, was
Publication date January 2021 the costliest.
Original source Weather, Climate & Catastrophe Insight - 2020 Annual Report, page 5

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Losses are adjusted to equivalent 2020 U.S. dollars. Figures were
restated in the 2020 edition of the report.

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49 References
Change in average temperature by decade worldwide from 1910 to 2019, by region (in degrees
Celsius)*
Global regional temperature change by decade 1910-2019

Description
Source and methodology information
Temperatures have risen in the last 100 years around the world. In the 1910s, North America had an average
Source(s) Time; NOAA temperature some 0.54 degrees Celsius lower than average temperatures between 1910 and 2000. In the most
recent decade, this region experienced temperatures 1.19 degrees Celsius over the average.
Conducted by NOAA

Survey period 1910s to 2010s All global regions (excluding Oceania) experienced an increased temperature over one degree Celsius in the
2010s, compared to the average between 1910 and 2000.
Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Time

Publication date September 2019

Original source TIME Magazine, September 23, 2019, page 24-88

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Average temperature difference relative to a 1910-2000 average. **


Figure for 2010 refers to an average between 2010 and at the latest
September 2019 (exact month was not listed).

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50 References
New investment in clean energy worldwide from 2004 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Worldwide investment in clean energy 2004-2019

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2019, the total new investment in renewable energy amounted to approximately 302 billion U.S. dollars
Source(s) BloombergNEF; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre worldwide. This was a two percent increase from the previous year. The amount of funding provided for clean
energy worldwide has steadily increased over the last two decades. In 2004, clean energy investments totaled
Conducted by BloombergNEF; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre
just under 37 billion U.S. dollars and increased to a peak of 331 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. The significant
Survey period 2004 to 2019 increase in investment funding indicates that the industry has matured greatly. Policy support for renewable
sources, an accelerating industry, and the emergence of publicly listed companies that own renewable energy
Region(s) Worldwide assets (also known as yieldcos) have driven the steady rise in clean energy investment.

Number of respondents n.a. Investment is highest for both solar and wind

Age group n.a.
There are many sources of renewable energy available these days, such as biomass and waste-to-energy,
Special characteristics n.a. geothermal and marine. However, investment in solar and wind energy is by far the highest. Global investment in
solar energy has soured since 2004, rising from just over 10 billion U.S. dollars to more than 140 billion U.S.
Published by Bloomberg; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre dollars.

Publication date June 2020 China leads the way

Original source Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2020, page 62
The countries with the highest investment in renewable energy are China and the United States, with investment
Website URL visit the website in the former amounting to 90 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. However, this was a slight decrease from the previous
year whilst investment in the United States experienced growth of 25 percent.
Notes: *According to the source, total values include corporate and government
R&D, VC/PE, public markets, small distributed capacity and asset finance.
Asset finance volume adjusts for re-invested equity. Total values include
estimates forundisclosed deals. The figures do not include proceeds from
acquisi [...] For more information visit our Website

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51 References
Annual growth rate in clean energy investments worldwide from 2005 to 2020
Global clean energy investment growth rate 2005-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
From 2019 to 2020, annual investment in clean energy sources and technology specifically in renewables
Source(s) BloombergNEF investment increased by two percent, from 363.3 billion U.S. dollars to 362.5 billion U.S. dollars.
Conducted by BloombergNEF

Survey period 2005 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by BloombergNEF

Publication date January 2021

Original source BNEF - Energy Transition Investment Trends 2021, page 1

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Figures were compiled from several editions of the report.

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52 References
New investments in renewable energy worldwide in 2019, by region (in billion U.S. dollars)
Global renewable energy investments 2019, by region

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2019, the largest regional investments into renewable energy came from China and the United States. China
Source(s) Bloomberg; UNEP; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre alone invested 90.2 billion U.S. dollars, while the U.S. contributed 59 billion to sustainable energy technologies.
Investment in the United States was also significant on a global scale.
Conducted by UNEP; BloombergNEF

Survey period 2019

Region(s) Worldwide U.S. clean energy consumption

Number of respondents n.a. The United States is the second-largest consumer of renewable energy worldwide after China. Though
hydroelectric power is currently that most common source of renewable electricity, increasing installed capacity
Age group n.a.
has been coming from wind and solar in recent years. Investment in renewables in the United States has
Special characteristics n.a. increased since the oil market became particularly turbulent during the 2008 financial crisis, and has also
corresponded with the beginning of the Obama administration, which in 2009, called to double clean energy
Published by UNEP; Bloomberg; FS-UNEP Collaborating Centre within three years.

Publication date June 2020

Original source Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2020, page 62
Renewables in Europe
Website URL visit the website
Germany holds a significant position as a leading consumer and producer of renewables worldwide, notable for
Notes: Total values include estimates for undisclosed deals. New investment its onshore wind capacity . Spain, the United Kingdom, and France are also among the largest installers of total
volume adjusts for re-invested equity. wind power capacity in the world. Biomass is another major source of renewable energy for Europe, particularly
in the heating and cooling sector.

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53 References
Renewable energy consumption worldwide from 2000 to 2020* (in exajoules)
Global renewable energy consumption 2000-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Global consumption of renewable energy has increased significantly over the last two decades. Consumption
Source(s) BP levels reached 32 exajoules in 2020. Despite its rapid growth, renewable energy consumption still remains far
below that of coal, natural gas, oil and other energy technologies. About half of final renewable energy
Conducted by BP
consumption worldwide is derived from modern bioenergy sources , however, solar photovoltaics has dominated
Survey period 2000 to 2020 capacity growth in recent years.

Region(s) Worldwide
Renewable future
Number of respondents n.a.
The growth of renewable energy has been largely due to reduction in technology costs . However, in order to
Age group n.a.
reach a secure, sustainable, and economically feasible energy system, global governments must implement
Special characteristics n.a. policies to encourage and support renewable energy sources. Investment into renewables and a market design
to reliably integrate renewables into modern infrastructure is necessary for successful implementation. Using
Published by BP clean energy technologies along with energy efficiency solutions will be key to reducing global greenhouse gas
emissions through technological means.
Publication date July 2021

Original source BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2021, page 11

Website URL visit the website

Notes: *Based on gross generation and not accounting for cross-border electricity
supply. "Input-equivalent" energy is the amount of fuel that would be
required by thermal power stations to generate the reported electricity
output. The figures prior to 2008 were taken from a previous edition of the
publica [...] For more information visit our Website

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54 References
Number of countries with set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and set laws and policies
for emissions worldwide as of 2018
Countries with NDCs and set laws and policies for emissions 2018

Description
Source and methodology information
This statistic shows the number of countries that have set nationally determined contributions (NDCs), in
Source(s) Grantham Research Institute; WRI; University of Leeds comparison to the number of countries that have actually set laws and policies worldwide as of 2018. At the time
of the study, some 156 have set a NDC target, however, only 57 countries have developed laws and policies for
Conducted by Grantham Research Institute; University of Leeds; WRI
emissions.
Survey period 2018

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Grantham Research Institute; University of Leeds; WRI

Publication date October 2018

Original source Aligning national and international climate targets, page 6

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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55 References
Value of emerging market green bonds issued in 2019, by leading country (in million U.S. dollars)
Global green bonds issued 2019, by leading country

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2019, the United States was the leading country in issuing green bonds at around 58,995 million U.S. dollars.
Source(s) Environmental Finance The proceeds from these bonds are used to finance environmental and climate protection measures.
Conducted by Environmental Finance

Survey period 2019

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Environmental Finance

Publication date February 2020

Original source Sustainability bonds insights 2020, page 4

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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56 References
Investments in carbon capture and storage worldwide from 2018 to 2020, by region (in billion U.S.
dollars)
Global investment in carbon capture and storage 2018-2020, by region

Description
Source and methodology information
In 2020, the total investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa were
Source(s) BloombergNEF 2.8 billion U.S. dollars. While CCS investment was highly dependent on a few significant commitments that year,
with the growing concerns of achieving net-zero emissions globally, CCS capacity is bound to grow.
Conducted by BloombergNEF

Survey period 2018 to 2020

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics expenditure commitment considered only if recipient is announced.

Published by BloombergNEF

Publication date January 2021

Original source BNEF - Energy Transition Investment Trends 2021, page 12

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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57 References
Forecast about the development of the world population from 2015 to 2100 (in billions)
World population - forecast about the development 2015-2100

Description
Source and methodology information
The statistic presents a forecast about the development of the world population from 2015 to 2100. The world
Source(s) UN DESA population in 2100 is estimated to be about 10.87 billion people. This would be an increase from 7.71 billion
people in 2019.
Conducted by UN DESA

Survey period 2019

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by UN DESA

Publication date June 2019

Original source World Population Prospects: The 2019 Revision

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Numbers were rounded to the nearest statistical value. The information is
based on the nearest calculation variant.

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58 References
Forecast of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 2018 to 2050 (in billion metric tons)
Global CO2 emissions 2018-2050

Description
Source and methodology information
Based on a business-as-usual trend, global carbon dioxide emissions are forecast to increase to some 43.08
Source(s) EIA billion metric tons in 2050, in comparison to 35.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2018. Carbon dioxide
emissions reached its highest level in 2018 due to a strong economy and extreme weather conditions. Summers
Conducted by EIA
with heatwaves push air conditioning usage and harsher winters lead to more heating. A booming economy has
Survey period 2018 a greater thirst for energy than one that is struggling or even in recession.

Region(s) Worldwide
Energy-related emissions
Number of respondents n.a. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of the
primary gases that are emitted through burning fossil fuels . However, other emissions like sulfur dioxide ,
Age group n.a.
nitrogen oxides, and particulates may also be emitted , especially through burning coal. New coal plants in Asia
Special characteristics n.a. have also pushed the growth in energy-related emissions. China is one of the largest emitters of energy-related
emissions in the world. Despite the country’s move towards renewable energy sources, coal-fueled power still
Published by EIA dominates its energy market . Despite efforts to reduce fossil fuel combustion, energy demand has still increased
over recent years.
Publication date September 2019

Original source eia.gov

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Projections in the EIA reference case, a business-as-usual trend


estimate, given known technology and technological and demographic
trends.

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59 References
Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions worldwide from 1990 to 2050, by fuel (in billion metric
tons)
Global energy-related CO2 emissions by fuel type 1990-2050

Description
Source and methodology information
Energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from natural gas, liquids, and coal have steadily increased since
Source(s) EIA 1990. It is projected that emissions from these fossil fuels will continue to rise in the coming decades, reaching
record highs by 2050. Natural gas releases approximately 50 percent less CO2 emissions than coal, the most
Conducted by EIA
polluting of fossil fuels.
Survey period 1990 to 2018

Region(s) Worldwide Coal emissions  

Number of respondents n.a.
China is by far the largest emitter of CO2 emissions from coal combustion worldwide . In 2018, China produced
Age group n.a.
approximately 7.5 billion metric tons of CO2. Coal consumption in china is significantly higher than elsewhere in
Special characteristics n.a. the world, which explains the considerably high emissions released by this energy source.

Published by EIA Which sector produces the most CO2 emissions?  

Publication date September 2019 CO2 emissions from the energy sector make up more than 40 percent of global CO2 emissions from fuel
combustion. However, this varies on a country-by-country basis. For example, transportation is responsible for
Original source eia.gov
approximately 40 percent of sectoral emissions in the EU.
Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Projections in the EIA reference case, a business-as-usual trend


estimate, given known technology and technological and demographic
trends. Figures were compiled from several editions of the data report.

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60 References
Air pollutant emissions worldwide from 2015 to 2050, by compound (in million metric tons)
Global emissions of air pollutants by compound 2015-2050

Description
Source and methodology information
Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) amounted to 1.2 billion metric tons worldwide in 2015. However, in 2050 it
Source(s) MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change is projected that emissions of this pollutant will have dropped to approximately one billion metric tons. Global
emissions from the majority of the pollutants shown are expected to decline in the future, except nitrogen oxides.
Conducted by MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change

Survey period 2015

Region(s) Worldwide
Nitrogen oxides  
Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of gases that includes nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Although global emissions of
this compound are set to increase in the coming decades, they have been decreasing in certain regions. For
Published by MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change example, NOx emissions in the U.S. have fallen considerably in the past 30 years, dropping from 25 million tons
in 1990 to under nine million tons in 2019. NOx emissions in the European Union have also experienced a
Publication date March 2019 steady decline. This can be explained by a reduction in transport sector emissions since the introduction of three
-way catalysts for motor vehicles.
Original source Food. Water. Energy. Climate. Outlook, Perspectives from 2018, page 43

Website URL visit the website

Notes: * Forecast. Health impacts  



Carbon monoxide is one of the most common air pollutants and is harmful for humans in high concentrations.
Leaks from appliances like gas stoves can cause CO poisoning, which is why detectors are a requirement in
homes. Every year, millions of deaths attributable to air pollution occur all around the world. Some of the most
harmful pollutants are PM2.5 particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

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61 References
Potential global investment in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) between 2020 and
2030, by region (in billion U.S. dollars)
Potential regional carbon capture investment 2019

Description
Source and methodology information
Global investment in carbon capture, utilization and storage could reach up to 90 billion U.S. dollars until 2030.
Source(s) BCG; EIA; Environmental Protection Agency; European Commission; Much of this would be invested in the United States and Europe.
Global CCS Institute
Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and storing it
Conducted by EIA; Environmental Protection Agency; BCG; European Commission;
in a site, primarily an underground geological formation, where it will not be able to enter the atmosphere.
Global CCS Institute
Carbon capture technology is decades old, but because high costs the number of carbon capture and storage
Survey period 2019 projects worldwide is relatively low.

Region(s) Worldwide

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by BCG

Publication date September 2019

Original source bcg.org

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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62 References

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