
Cities and States Lead in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
New data reveals that cities in Asia and the United States are responsible for the highest levels of heat-trapping gas emissions, with Shanghai topping the list. The data, compiled by Climate Trace, combines observations and artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive picture of global emissions.
Seven states or provinces, all located in China except for Texas, emit more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. This highlights the significant contribution of individual regions to global climate change.
Big Cities Emit More Than Some Nations
The data also reveals that several major cities emit more greenhouse gases than entire nations. Shanghai alone emits 256 million metric tons, exceeding the emissions of Colombia or Norway. Tokyo's emissions are comparable to those of the top 40 emitting countries, while New York City and Houston rank among the top 50.
Fossil Fuel Industry Influence on Climate Talks
Former US Vice President Al Gore criticized the hosting of climate talks by oil-producing nations like Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. He expressed concern that the fossil fuel industry has undue influence over the negotiation process.
Small Island States Advocate for Climate Action
The Alliance of Small Island States, particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, emphasized the importance of upholding the Paris Agreement and protecting vulnerable populations. They urged countries to take concrete action to reduce emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.