Sunday, February 16, 2025

Accelerated Carbon Emissions Post-Pandemic Surge

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After the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, countries aimed to rebuild their economies in a way that helps the environment. However, global greenhouse gas emissions have actually increased since then. In 2023, emissions went up by 1.3%, reaching 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This growth rate is higher than in the years before the pandemic. Currently, global emissions are close to the 2019 peak of 59.1 gigatonnes. All sources of emissions, except land use, have shown an increase. For instance, emissions from road transport, leaks from oil and gas infrastructure, and industrial emissions have risen rapidly.

The United Nations Global Environment Programme reported that the rise in emissions is making it harder to prevent severe climate change. Inger Anderson, from the UNEP, emphasized the urgency for countries to take immediate action to reduce emissions. Despite the challenges, Anderson believes that achieving the goal of limiting global warming is still possible if nations commit to bold plans and start implementing them right away.

Countries are expected to present new climate plans by February, ahead of the COP30 climate conference in November. These plans will outline how each country intends to reduce emissions by 2035.

It is crucial for countries to set ambitious targets and work together towards a sustainable future, even if achieving the 1.5°C goal becomes increasingly difficult. Anderson stressed the importance of striving for a net-zero world for the well-being of the planet.

Topics: Climate Change, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming


Vocabulary List:

  1. Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (noun): The act of releasing something especially gas or radiation into the atmosphere.
  2. Greenhouse /ˈɡriːn.haʊs/ (noun): A building with glass walls and a glass roof used for growing plants in controlled conditions; also refers to gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
  3. Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; capable of being continued without depleting resources.
  4. Climate /ˈklaɪmət/ (noun): The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
  5. Urgency /ˈɜːr.dʒən.si/ (noun): Importance requiring swift action; the state of being urgent.
  6. Targets /ˈtɑːrɡɪts/ (noun): Goals or objectives that are aimed for often in terms of performance or achievement.

How much do you know?


What caused the increase in global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023?
Rebuilding economies after the covid-19 pandemic
Reduction in industrial activities
Decline in road transport emissions
Enhanced land use practices


Which of the following has NOT shown an increase in emissions according to the text?
Land use practices
Road transport emissions
Leaks from oil and gas infrastructure
Industrial emissions


What is the primary focus of Inger Anderson from the UNEP regarding emissions reduction?
Immediate action
Long-term planning
International cooperation
Scientific research


When are countries expected to present new climate plans?
December
April
February
June


What goal is Inger Anderson emphasizing countries to strive towards?
Increasing emissions
Net-zero world
Maintaining current emission levels
Higher global warming


What is the significance of COP30 mentioned in the text?
Global warming assessment
Climate plan implementation
Climate conference
Greenhouse gas emission monitoring


Global greenhouse gas emissions decreased after the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.


Inger Anderson believes that achieving the goal of limiting global warming is no longer possible.


All sources of emissions, including land use, have shown an increase.


The rise in emissions is not affecting the prevention of severe climate change, according to the United Nations Global Environment Programme.


Countries are not required to present new climate plans ahead of COP30.


Anderson does not stress the importance of working towards a net-zero world.


In 2023, global greenhouse gas emissions reached gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.


Global emissions are close to the peak of 59.1 gigatonnes.


Countries intend to reduce emissions by as outlined in the new climate plans.


It is crucial for countries to set ambitious targets and work together towards a future for the well-being of the planet.


Anderson emphasized the importance of striving for a for the well-being of the planet.

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