People all over the world emit CO2 gas in every aspect of their lives. Find out how much CO2 is being emitted on the global scale and understand how you are contributing to the problem.

Since the Industrial Revolution, people across the world have been exponentially increasing their CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions as a result of our daily lives are unavoidable, but the extremity of the amount is easily manageable. As countries grow and develop more and more Carbon Dioxide gas is produced. These emissions are charted and organized by groups like UNFCCC so that we can understand our impact and how to lower it.

When the UNFCCC takes data on global CO2 emissions, they divide the countries of the world into three groups. The first group is called Annex I. These are industrialized countries that have economies in transition. These countries have a protocol that requires them to reduce the costs of their emissions and seek to achieve emissions levels that are below the CO2 emission levels from 1990. Annex II countries, that are not industrialized economies in transition, are a sub-group of Annex I. Developing countries make up the third group. Knowing these categories help us understand how to read the charts and data available on global C02 emissions.

Annex II countries are projected to increase emissions over the next 15-20 years. The emissions of Annex I countries were last assessed in 2008. At that time, the United States produced an average of 19.4 metric tons of CO2 per person. While this amount sounds like quite a bit, this average is actually .9 metric tons less than the average from 2007. This decrease in emissions is projected to be a trend for Annex I countries. However, Annex II countries are projected to increase emissions over the next 15-20 years.

So, what should we do with this information? First of all, it is helpful to be able to see where certain countries fall in terms of global CO2 emissions so we, as citizens of the world, know how to respond. It should not surprise us that the countries that are leading the world in production and development are also leading the world in CO2 emissions. Unfortunately, many of these countries, like China, are Annex II countries and are only projected to increase emissions as their economy grows. As consumers and citizens, we can use this information to determine our actions. For example, we can ask ourselves if we are purchasing products from companies in countries that have high global emissions.

Cuipo is part of a global initiative to decrease CO2 emissions and we want you to join us! The rainforest reduces CO2 in our environment and ensuring that it stays protected is vital to the health of our planet. Take action today and help reduce your CO2 emissions by clicking here and saving a meter of rainforest.