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After the lockdowns due to the covid-19 pandemic, many countries planned to help the environment while rebuilding their economies. However, greenhouse gas emissions have increased instead of decreasing. In 2023, emissions went up by 1.3%, reaching 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is a faster rate of growth compared to the period before the pandemic. We are close to the 2019 peak of 59.1 gigatonnes.
All kinds of emissions, except for land use, are going up as economies recover from covid-19. Emissions from things like road transport, oil and gas leaks, and industries have grown quickly. Aviation emissions have increased by 19.5%. This means we are running out of time to prevent serious climate change.
Countries need to make stronger plans to reduce emissions immediately to try to reach the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Despite the challenges, we must keep working towards a sustainable world.
Vocabulary List:
- Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ (noun): The act of releasing something especially gas or radiation into the atmosphere.
- Equivalence /ɪˈkwɪv.ə.ləns/ (noun): The condition of being equal in value worth or significance.
- Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.
- Challenge /ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/ (noun): A difficult task or situation that requires effort and determination.
- Climate /ˈklaɪ.mət/ (noun): The weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period.
- Limit /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ (verb): To set or serve as a limit to; restrict or confine.
How much do you know?
What percentage did greenhouse gas emissions increase by in 2023?
Which sector saw a decrease in emissions during the post-covid recovery period?
By how much did aviation emissions increase?
What is the main goal that countries are trying to reach in terms of limiting warming?
What was the peak amount of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019?
In which year did greenhouse gas emissions reach 57.1 gigatonnes?
Greenhouse gas emissions decreased during the post-covid recovery period.
Aviation emissions remained constant during the pandemic.
Land use emissions have increased along with other sectors.
Countries are not concerned about reaching the 1.5°C warming limit.
The current rate of emissions growth is slower than pre-pandemic levels.
Serious climate change can be prevented without immediate action.
Greenhouse gas emissions reached gigatonnes in 2023.
Aviation emissions increased by % during the post-covid recovery period.
The 2019 peak emission amount was gigatonnes.
Countries aim to limit warming to °C.
Emissions from road transport, oil and gas leaks, and industries have grown .
To prevent serious climate change, countries need to make stronger plans to reduce emissions .
