Introduction
CO2 emissions are at the centre of the climate debate. These emissions are caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and deforestation. The result? An increasingly warmer Earth with far-reaching consequences for our climate.
The impact of CO2 emissions on the environment is extensive. Rising sea levels pose a direct threat to coastal areas and low-lying countries, with millions of people at risk of flooding and forced relocation. Extreme weather events, such as severe storms, prolonged droughts, and intense heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense. The loss of biodiversity is manifested in the extinction of animal and plant species that cannot adapt quickly enough to changing climatic conditions.
Understanding CO2 emissions is essential for both individuals and businesses. For companies, this means measuring and reducing their climate impact, which is increasingly becoming a legal obligation. It also plays a crucial role in making sustainable business choices.
In 2024, global CO2 emissions will amount to 41.6 billion tonnes - a figure that urgently needs to be reduced in order to keep climate change under control. This requires action from everyone: from large companies to individual households.
What is CO2 and how is it released?
CO2, or carbon dioxide, is a colourless and odourless gas that occurs naturally in our atmosphere. This molecule consists of one carbon atom (C) bonded to two oxygen atoms (O2).
How is CO2 released?
The emission of CO2 occurs through various processes. Human activities play a crucial role in the emission of CO2 into our atmosphere. The main source is the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, which we use for energy and transport. In addition, industrial processes contribute significantly to CO2 emissions through various production processes and chemical reactions. Deforestation poses another major problem, as the cutting down of forests not only releases CO2 but also reduces the natural capacity for CO2 absorption. The agriculture and livestock sector is also responsible for significant CO2 emissions, especially due to intensive livestock farming, the use of fertilizers, and the cultivation of agricultural land.
When fossil fuels are burned, the stored carbon is released in the form of CO2. This process occurs in cars and other vehicles, power plants, factories, and heating systems. These sources together account for a significant portion of human CO2 emissions, with the energy sector and transport making particularly large contributions to total emissions. The continued reliance on fossil fuels for our daily energy needs leads to a steady increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
Natural sources of CO2 emissions are diverse and are part of the Earth's natural carbon cycle. Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, while the respiration of humans and animals is a constant source of CO2. The decomposition of organic material by microorganisms also contributes to natural CO2 emissions. Natural wildfires, often caused by lightning or extreme drought, represent another important natural source of CO2 emissions.
The role of CO2 in the greenhouse effect
CO2 belongs to the group of greenhouse gases that trap solar radiation in the atmosphere. These gases create a natural greenhouse effect that makes the Earth habitable. However, current CO2 concentrations are significantly higher than natural levels due to human activities.
The greenhouse effect is a complex but essential natural process that regulates the temperature on Earth. When solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface, a portion of this energy is absorbed while another part is reflected back into the atmosphere. CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act like a kind of blanket that retains this reflected heat.
This process is naturally balanced, but due to the increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities, more heat is retained than desirable. As a result, the average temperature on Earth rises, leading to climate change and its associated consequences for our planet.
Worldwide CO2 Emissions Statistics
Global CO2 emissions reached a new record in 2024 with 41.6 billion tons. This amount is so immense that it is difficult to imagine - it is equivalent to:
250 billion car trips from Amsterdam to Paris
The annual CO2 absorption of 2 trillion adult trees
71 trillion kilometers of train travel
The top 3 CO2-emitting countries in 2021:
China: 12.5 billion tonnes (30% of global emissions)
United States: 4.8 billion tonnes (15% of global emissions)
India: 2.6 billion tonnes (7% of global emissions)
The Global Carbon Project reports that emissions have increased again since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, global emissions rose by 1% compared to 2021, amounting to approximately 36.8 megatonnes. This increase is mainly due to the economic recovery after the pandemic and the increased demand for energy.
Emissions from developed countries are stabilising or declining slightly, while emerging economies show an upward trend. China's emissions have quadrupled in the past 20 years, while India's emissions have tripled in the same period. These developments underscore the challenge of achieving the global climate goals of the Paris Agreement.
CO2 emissions per capita: a look at the Netherlands and other countries
The CO2 emissions per capita provide a more accurate picture of the environmental impact of different countries than total emissions. This measure calculates how much CO2 one person emits on average in a particular country, allowing for a fairer comparison between countries with different population sizes.
Top 5 countries with the highest CO2 emissions per capita:
Qatar: 35.6 tons
Bahrain: 26.7 tons
Kuwait: 25.0 tons
Brunei: 23.5 tons
United Arab Emirates: 21.8 tons
The high per capita emissions in the Gulf States are mainly due to intensive oil and gas extraction, high energy consumption for air conditioning, and large-scale industrial activities. The limited use of renewable energy sources also plays an important role in this.
The Netherlands produces approximately 147 million tons of CO2 annually. This amounts to about 8.4 tons of CO2 per capita - significantly lower than the Gulf States, but still higher than the global average of 4.7 tons per person.
The emissions per capita help policymakers and citizens understand where the biggest challenges lie in reducing the CO2 footprint. It shows that even smaller countries can have a significant impact on the climate, depending on their economic activities and the lifestyle of their inhabitants.
Main sources of CO2 emissions
Global CO2 emissions come from various sources, with three sectors playing a dominant role in total emissions.
1. The fossil fuel industry
The fossil fuel industry is another important source of CO2 emissions. This sector includes the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants, the extraction and processing of oil and gas, and energy-intensive industrial processes such as steel production. Power plants that run on coal, oil, or natural gas are responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.
In addition, industrial production processes that require high temperatures contribute to a constant flow of CO2 emissions. The extraction of fossil fuels itself also contributes to emissions through the use of machines and the flaring of excess gas during the production process.
2. The Transport Sector
The transport sector is known as one of the largest emitters of CO2. Road traffic, aviation, and shipping collectively contribute to this emissions. A diesel car emits an average of 2.6 kg of CO2 per litre of fuel, while a return flight from Amsterdam to London produces approximately 18.33 tons of CO2. Cargo ships consume large amounts of fossil fuels, resulting in significant CO2 emissions during the transport of goods by sea.
3. Deforestation
Deforestation plays an important role in the CO2 problem. Firstly, trees normally absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. However, when these trees are cut down and burned, the stored CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. Moreover, the loss of forested areas means that there is less natural capacity to filter CO2 out of the air. This creates a vicious cycle in which not only is extra CO2 emitted, but also the natural ability to absorb CO2 is reduced.
The impact of these sources varies by region. In industrialized countries, the emphasis is on emissions from transport and industry. In developing countries, deforestation often plays a larger role. A medium-sized tree can convert 22 kg of CO2 into oxygen annually - therefore, the loss of forested areas has direct consequences for the CO2 balance in the atmosphere.
Consequences of high CO2 emission levels
The rising CO2 emissions have far-reaching consequences for our planet. The Earth is warming at an alarming rate, leading to a range of climate change effects:
1. Rising Sea Level
The rising sea level is one of the most visible consequences of climate change. The melting of ice caps and glaciers is causing a gradual increase in sea levels, which has direct consequences for coastal areas and islands worldwide.
Low-lying areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding, which not only leads to material damage but also to the loss of habitat for both humans and animals. This development threatens not only small island states but also densely populated delta regions where millions of people live.
2. Extreme Weather Conditions
Climate change is leading to increasingly extreme weather conditions. We see a clear increase in the intensity and frequency of heatwaves, which can be uncomfortable but also dangerous for vulnerable groups in society. In addition, storms and hurricanes are becoming stronger and more destructive, with greater impact on coastal areas and infrastructure.
Prolonged periods of drought are becoming increasingly common, which has significant consequences for agriculture and water supply. Moreover, rainfall patterns are becoming more unpredictable, making it more difficult for farmers to plan their crops and for water managers to work effectively.
3. Ecosystem Disruption
Climate change has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide. The loss of biodiversity is accelerating, with more and more species threatened with extinction. The oceans are becoming more acidic due to the absorption of CO2, which has disastrous effects on coral reefs and marine life. Natural habitats are being disrupted or even completely destroyed, while animals have to adapt their migration patterns to survive.
These changes have direct consequences for our society. Food production and agriculture are becoming increasingly challenging due to unpredictable weather conditions and reduced soil quality. The availability of clean drinking water is under pressure from drought and pollution. Public health is also threatened by increasing air pollution, new diseases, and extreme weather conditions.
All these factors have a significant impact on economic stability. Sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism suffer direct damage, while the costs of adapting to climate change and recovering from natural disasters continue to rise. This creates a domino effect that affects the entire global economy.
The consequences of climate change are already noticeable. In the Netherlands, we are experiencing more frequent periods of extreme heat, drought, and intense rainfall. These changes pose an increasing challenge for our infrastructure, water management, and health.
Calculating CO2 emissions: direct vs indirect emissions
The GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) provides a standardized method for calculating these emissions. This international standard allows for the comparison of emission figures between different organizations.
The calculation of CO2 emissions is done based on three different categories, known as 'scopes'. This classification helps organizations map their emissions. For a detailed understanding of these scopes, including the definitions and examples of Scope 1, 2, and 3, it is useful to look further.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Direct emissions, also known as Scope 1 emissions, include all emissions that are caused directly by an organization. This includes emissions from owned buildings and vehicles, the combustion of fossil fuels, and exhaust gases from company cars. A significant portion of these direct emissions comes from gas consumption for heating company premises.
Scope 2: Indirect Energy-related Emissions
Purchased electricity, district heating, and purchased steam are important sources of indirect energy-related emissions. The use of air conditioning also contributes significantly to this emissions, especially during warm periods when energy consumption for cooling increases significantly. These energy sources are essential for daily business operations, but they also come with a significant CO2 footprint.
Scope 3: Other Indirect Emissions
Transport and distribution, waste disposal, business travel, and commuting of employees are important sources of indirect CO2 emissions. These activities, along with the production of purchased materials, contribute significantly to the total emissions of an organization.
Although these emissions are not directly caused by the company itself, it is essential to include these aspects in the calculation of the total CO2 footprint. By being aware of these indirect emission sources, companies can take targeted measures to reduce their overall climate impact.
Practical Ways for Companies to Reduce Their CO2 Footprint
Companies play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions. These practical strategies help organizations effectively reduce their CO2 footprint:
Companies have various effective options to reduce their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. For energy efficiency, organizations can invest in LED lighting with motion sensors, improve the insulation of their buildings, purchase energy-efficient equipment, and install smart meters for accurate monitoring.
In terms of renewable energy, solar panels on company rooftops are a concrete option, along with switching to green wind energy. The use of heat pumps and energy storage systems also contributes to a more sustainable energy supply.
For effective waste management, it is essential to set up a comprehensive recycling program, minimize packaging materials, and work digitally where possible. Reusing materials plays an important role in this.
The sustainability of transport can be achieved by promoting remote working and online meetings, electrifying the vehicle fleet, and offering bicycle schemes. Optimising logistical routes also significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
Finally, companies can offset their remaining CO2 emissions by investing in tree planting, participating in climate projects, and supporting local sustainability initiatives. These measures help achieve climate neutrality.
These measures require a clear CO2 reduction strategy with concrete objectives. Involving employees in sustainability initiatives creates support and accelerates the transition to a Net Zero business operation.
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