The Air We Breathe: Global Update

Author

Philip Saparov
August 20, 2024

Greetings, lover of clear skies and fresh air!

Today, we journey through the countries championing cleaner air, understand the complexities of global emissions, and explore the vibrant ecosystems that play a crucial role in our ecological well-being. 

In our quest for cleaner air and lower emissions, certain countries stand out. 

Denmark leads the pack with an impressive Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score of 77.9, having made a notable improvement of 14.9 points over the past decade. 

The United Kingdom follows closely with a score of 77.7, demonstrating a robust 23-point increase, thanks to aggressive environmental policies and sustainable practices. 

Finland, leveraging its vast forests and renewable energy sources, boasts a score of 76.5 and a 21-point jump. Malta and Sweden sport scores of 75.2 and 72.7 respectively. 

Malta's score improvement of 25.4 points is a result of effective environmental policies, while Sweden's increase of 15.8 points reflects its longstanding commitment to innovation in sustainability.

The global landscape of CO₂ emissions paints a stark picture of our environmental challenges. Leading the emissions tally is China, with a staggering 12,667.43 million tons of CO₂, due to the massive scale of its industrial and energy sectors. 

The United States follows with 4,853.78 million tons, reflecting its substantial energy consumption and automobile reliance. India, at 2,693.03 million tons, is an example of the environmental cost of rapid economic and population growth. 

On the European front, Russia and Germany contribute 1,909.04 and 673.60 million tons respectively, driven by heavy industries and energy production.

In the Middle East, Iran and Saudi Arabia mark significant footprints with 686.42 and 607.91 million tons, indicative of their oil-centric economies. 

Indonesia, straddling the line between developing and industrialized status, emits 692.24 million tons, a reflection of its burgeoning energy demands and deforestation issues.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has varied sources, including energy production, agriculture, and waste management. 

Unsurprisingly, China tops this list as well with a staggering 1,186,285 kilotons of CO₂ equivalent in methane emissions, reflecting its vast industrial and agricultural activities. 

Not far behind, the United States emits 748,241 kilotons. India, with its extensive agricultural sector, contributes 697,655 kilotons, a challenge faced by rapidly developing economies.

Russia produces 617,227 thanks to its massive energy sector, while Brazil, with 449,214 kilotons, points to the significant methane release from both agriculture and deforestation activities. 

Indonesia's 333,995 kilotons further reveal the effects of deforestation and agriculture in methane emissions. These figures hint at the complex interplay of economic growth, energy needs, and environmental impact.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saw a 9% decline from 2019 to 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns reducing vehicle use. However, 2021 witnessed a surge in emissions to the highest levels ever, with significant increases in both coal and renewable energy usage. 

China leads the global GHG tally, emitting 9,877 megatons in 2019, fueled largely by its coal-dependent industrial sector. Despite its commitments, India's emissions continue to surge, reaching 2,310 megatons in 2019, with agriculture and coal plants being primary sources. 

In 2022, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions reached 6,341.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, predominantly comprising carbon dioxide (78.8%), methane (10.9%), nitrous oxide (7.1%), and fluorinated gases (3.2%).

Russia and Japan also feature prominently, emitting 1,640 and 1,056 megatons respectively, with Russia's energy sector and Japan's coal power plants as key contributors.

Germany and South Korea have shown promising reductions, with Germany's emissions decreasing by 35.7% since 1990, thanks to renewable energy expansions, and South Korea committing to greener energy initiatives. 

Iran’s, Canada’s, and Saudi Arabia's emissions are significantly influenced by the consumption of fossil fuels, showing the complexities of global energy dynamics.

Nations that have achieved or are close to achieving carbon-negative status, meaning they sequester more carbon than they emit, are few. 

Bhutan, with over 70% of its territory forested, leads the way, utilizing its vast green cover and hydropower. It is currently the only country that has achieved the carbon-negative status. The other nations are still pending. 

Suriname follows, with an impressive 90-97% forest cover, balancing its mining industry's emissions with its extensive forests. 

Panama, with 56.8% of its land under forest, is on track with ambitious reforestation plans and a shift towards cleaner energy.

Comoros, Gabon, and Guyana are promising carbon-negative candidates. Comoros, despite its dense population, maintains large forested areas aiding in carbon sequestration. 

Gabon, with 91.3% forest cover, stands out in Africa for its commitment to maintaining its lush landscape. Guyana's 93.6% forest cover is also a significant carbon sink.

Talking of forest cover, its landscape presents quite a diverse picture. Suriname and Guyana lead with a lush 97.4% and 93.6% forest cover, respectively. 

Micronesia, with its 92% coverage, illustrates the Pacific's dedication to preserving verdant landscapes amidst blue waters.

In Europe, Finland stands out with 73.7% of its land cloaked in boreal forests, offering a serene retreat for individuals from industrialized regions. 

Sweden, with a forest cover of 68.7%, is a prime choice for nature enthusiasts.

On the flip side, countries like Egypt and Qatar, have negligible forest cover. 

The United Kingdom and the United States, with 13.2% and 33.9% forest coverage respectively, reflect the varying degrees of urbanization's impact on natural spaces.

Rainforests, the planet's ecological marvels, are spread across diverse nations, each contributing uniquely to global biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 

Only 53 countries can boast having at least one rainforest. Indonesia leads with an impressive tally of six distinct rainforest regions, including the renowned Borneo Lowland and the captivating Kayan Mentarang National Park. ​

Australia follows with five unique rainforest areas, such as the ancient Daintree and the temperate Tasmanian forests, showcasing a mix of tropical and temperate rainforest biodiversity.

The United States surprises many with its four rainforest regions, including the vast Tongass National Forest and the Pacific Temperate Rainforest, revealing the country's rich ecological diversity. 

Argentina and Malaysia have three rainforest regions each, revealing the ecological wealth of South America and Southeast Asia, from the Atlantic forest to the Kinabalu National Park.

Countries like China and Vietnam are home to just one rainforest region each, such as the Indo-Burma in China and the Cardamom Mountains Rainforest in Vietnam.

As we conclude this edition, we're reminded of the crucial role of clean air in our lives. Stay with us as we have many other fascinating topics a-brewing. 

Until next time, keep exploring and stay informed. 

Warm regards, 

Shane Fulmer