As delegates from 191 nations gather in Durban, South Africa to tackle climate change, a new report shows the largest increase in carbon emissions, and the greatest percentage increase since 2003. Coal combustion accounts for more than half the gain.
"Emissions rose 5.9 percent in 2010, according to an analysis released Sunday by the Global Carbon Project, an international collaboration of scientists tracking the numbers...The growth rate in the 1990s was closer to 1 percent yearly.
In the United States, emissions dropped by a remarkable 7 percent in the recession year of 2009, but rose by just over 4 percent last year, the new analysis shows."
By comparison, China, which surpassed the U.S. several years ago as the world's top emitter, increased emissions by 10.4%.
Fifty-seven percent of the increase in emissions comes from the developing world. However, the researchers were quick to point out that the increase was largely due to burgeoning energy-intensive manufacturing of goods imported by wealthy nations - pointing to a reason for developed nations, who may have spent vast sums to increase energy efficiency and reduce coal consumption, to retain their manufacturing sector.
"Scientists say the rapid growth of emissions is warming the Earth, threatening the ecology and putting human welfare at long-term risk."
One researcher's outlook was grim: "There's no evidence that this trajectory we've been following the last 10 years is going to change", remarked Glen P. Peters of the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo and a leader of the group that produced the new analysis.
FULL STORY: 2010 Carbon Dioxide Output Shows Biggest Jump Ever
How Zoning Affects Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As the urgency of the climate crisis increases, a paper in the Notre Dame Law Review argues that increased density is not a universally effective strategy to reduce emissions and that different strategies are needed for low-carbon places versus high-carbon ones.
Largest Carbon Capture Plant in the World Opens in Iceland
The plant draws carbon from the atmosphere and turns it to stone in underground wells, but the technology remains relatively expensive.
Infographic: The Cumulative Carbon Emissions of Every Country Since 1750
The U.S. is exceptional when it comes to carbon emissions—that much is indisputable.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie