|
|
Article: Kyoto's still calling.(EYE ON ECOLOGY)(Kyoto Protocol and carbon emissions)
- Article from:
- USA TODAY
- Article date:
- September 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Society for the Advancement of Education. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
IN A RECENT 12-MONTH SPAN, carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels climbed to more than 7,900,000,000 tons, a record high. Global emissions of carbon have been rising steadily since the late 18th century--and rapidly since the 1950s. In fact, annual emissions have quadrupled since the mid 20th century.
Three-fourths of global carbon emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels, namely coal, oil, and natural gas. The rest largely come from deforestation. Of the four major sectors contributing to these emissions, electricity generation--at 35%--accounts for the largest share; transportation and industrial processes, 20% each. The remaining 25% is ...