COP27 climate talks: Chinese carbon emissions set to drop this year while US set for rise, study forecasts

Global emissions will pass pre-pandemic levels, according to the research, which presented a mixed picture for other major polluters such as India and the EU

Scientists warned that on current trends, there is a 50 per cent chance of passing a 1.5C target within 9 years

Reading Time:5 minutes

China is the world’s biggest producer of carbon emissions and will play a key role in the climate talks. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00am, 11 Nov 2022

Carbon dioxide emissions in China and the European Union are projected to fall this year, while those in India and the United States are likely to rise, according to new research.

The Global Carbon Budget 2022 report is set to launch on Friday at the United Nations COP27 climate talks in Egypt, where the host wants to focus on the issue of compensation for losses from climate-related disasters from the main emitters.

Island nations at risk of disappearing because of rising sea levels, have said that highly polluting emerging economies, including China and India, should pay into a compensation fund to help countries rebuild after such events – the first time the two nations have been lumped together with the West’s major polluters.

Although the report’s different projections for the world’s four biggest polluters could have some impact on the negotiations, environmental analysts said they were unlikely to have a significant impact on the main agenda in Egypt.

The study, based on energy statistics and cement production data up to October, said global emissions were likely to be slightly above pre-pandemic levels this year.

As the world’s two biggest polluters, China and the US are key to reaching a global agreement on limiting the rise in global temperatures.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x