Who Is Responsible For Climate Change? – Who Needs To Fix It?

Summary

The video script discusses the alarming rise in global CO₂ emissions, highlighting China as the largest current emitter, followed by the USA and the EU. It emphasizes the historical responsibility of developed nations and the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries. The script calls for collective action, stressing the need for rich nations to lead with low-carbon technology and for all countries to contribute equitably to mitigate the crisis.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have released over 1.5 trillion tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere, with 37 billion tons added in 2019 alone.
• 📈 Emissions have risen significantly, with 2019 levels being 50% higher than in 2000 and nearly three times as much as 50 years prior.
• 🌱 Greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and nitrous oxide, contribute to the total of 51 billion tons of CO₂ equivalents emitted annually.
• 🔥 The consequences of climate change are becoming more severe, with record-breaking heat waves, melting glaciers, and reduced Arctic ice.
• ☀️ Over the last 22 years, 20 have been the hottest on record, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
• 🌳 Reducing global emissions to zero is essential to mitigate rapid climate change, but there is a lack of consensus on responsibility and burden-sharing.
• 🏭 Developed countries highlight their emission reduction efforts and point to large developing countries like China as major current emitters.
• 🌱 Developing countries argue that their emissions are for survival, unlike the lifestyle emissions of developed nations.
• 📊 In 2017, Asia, North America, and Europe were the largest CO₂ emitters, contributing over 85% of global emissions.
• 🏆 China is the largest current emitter, responsible for 27% of global emissions, followed by the USA and the European Union.
• 🏛 Historically, the US and EU have the highest emissions, with China in third place, indicating a shift in the source of emissions over time.
• 👥 When considering emissions per capita, oil and gas-producing countries like Qatar have the highest rates, but Australia and the US also have high per capita emissions.
• 💡 Wealth is closely tied to CO₂ emissions, with the richest half of countries accounting for 86% of global emissions.
• 🌐 The impact of climate change is disproportionately felt by developing countries, which contribute least to emissions but face the harshest consequences.
• 🛠 Rich countries have the resources and technology to develop and spread low-carbon solutions, which are essential for global emission reduction.
• 🌟 The video is part of a series supported by Breakthrough Energy, aiming to promote clean energy investment and innovation for a zero-carbon future.

Q & A

How much carbon dioxide has been released into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution?

Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have released over 1.5 trillion tons of carbon dioxide into the Earth's atmosphere.

What was the approximate amount of CO₂ emitted in the year 2019?

In the year 2019, around 37 billion tons of CO₂ were emitted.

How does the CO₂ emission from 2019 compare to the year 2000 and 50 years prior?

The CO₂ emissions in 2019 were 50 percent more than in the year 2000 and almost three times as much as 50 years prior.

What is the total emission of carbon dioxide equivalents when considering all greenhouse gases?

When considering all greenhouse gases, we are emitting 51 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalents each year.

What is the primary goal in addressing climate change according to the script?

The primary goal in addressing climate change is to decrease our collective emissions quickly and get them down to zero.

Which countries are the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions today?

China, the USA, and the European Union are the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions today, accounting for more than half of the world's CO₂ emissions.

How does historical CO₂ emissions compare when looking at the US, EU, and China?

The US is responsible for 25% of the world's historical emissions, the EU for 22%, and China for just under 13%.

What is the average annual CO₂ emissions per person globally?

The average human is responsible for around five tons of CO₂ each year.

Which country had the highest CO₂ emissions per person in 2017?

Qatar had the highest CO₂ emissions per person in 2017, at 49 tons per person.

What is the relationship between wealth and carbon footprint?

Wealth is one of the strongest indicators of carbon footprint, as access to electricity, heating, transportation, and technology increases with wealth, leading to higher emissions.

How does the script suggest that rich countries can contribute to reducing global emissions?

The script suggests that rich countries can contribute by developing and spreading low-cost, low-carbon solutions around the world, leveraging their resources, educated workforces, and technology.

What is the Breakthrough Energy coalition and its goal?

Breakthrough Energy is a coalition founded by Bill Gates that aims to expand clean energy investment and support innovations leading to net zero carbon emissions.