China to top CO₂ emitter list sooner than expected

New projections show China overtaking the U.S. as the world's biggest emitter of CO₂ before 2010, nearly a decade earlier than previous estimates.

Global energy demand will rise 53% between now and 2030 if countries stay the course on current energy policies, according to the latest analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The agency projects that world CO₂ emissions will reach 40 gigatons by 2030, or 55% more than today’s level. More than 70% of this increase would come from developing countries, led by China and India, with China alone responsible for about 39% of the rise. However, per capita emissions of countries that aren’t members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development should remain well below those of countries that are, IEA reports.

China to top CO2 emitter list sooner than expected

New projections show China overtaking the U.S. as the world's biggest emitter of CO2 before 2010, nearly a decade earlier than previous estimates.

China to top CO₂ emitter list sooner than expected

New projections show China overtaking the U.S. as the world's biggest emitter of CO₂ before 2010, nearly a decade earlier than previous estimates.