
|
![]() |
people changing the climate? |
3. How can we hinder man-made climate change?More emissions despite improved technologyDespite the efforts of many countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, emissions are still increasing in most places. This is because both people and businesses are getting richer and richer. They produce and consume more and more goods and services.
|
One example:Petrol and diesel engines are becoming more efficient, using less fuel to perform the same work. Thus the CO2 emissions for each car trip have become lower. At the same time, people in European countries are driving more often, and more and more goods are being transported by road. In addition, large and heavy cars have become more popular and larger cars emit more greenhouse gases. The result is that emissions from transportation in general are increasing. If the growth in emissions is to stop, we either have to use technology that cuts emissions more quickly and more efficiently, such as fuel-cell engines run on hydrogen, or we simply must drive less. |
![]() |
|
|
![]() |
Consumption per inhabitant is lower in poor countriesIn poor countries, emissions intensity is often greater than it is in rich countries because advanced and energy-efficient technology is not available. On the other hand, production and consumption per inhabitant is much lower in the poor countries. Emissions per inhabitant are therefore lower. But many poor and middle-income countries outside Europe are seeing improvements in standards of living in some segments of the population, which is increasing their emissions. Population growth in these countries also contributes to greater emissions. |
Back to Basics-section
About this page:Author: Camilla Schreiner - CICERO (Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo) - Norway.
|