Carbon Emissions Down, but Not Drastically

"Even with the global economy at a near-standstill, the best analysis suggests that the world is still on track to release 95 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted in a typical year, continuing to heat up the planet and driving climate change even as we’re stuck at home," writes Shannon Osaka.

Osaka considers why a decline of only 5.5 percent in carbon emissions would result from such a drastic decline in transportation activities. The primary reason is that 20 percent of emissions are related to transportation, and the levels of emissions from other sources have not decreased.

For example, 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions come from electricity and heating. Another 20 percent comes from manufacturing, construction, and other industries. Emissions levels from both sources have remained steady.

"It’s worth remembering that a dip in carbon emissions won’t lead to any changes in the Earth’s warming trend. Some scientists compare carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to water flowing into a leaky bathtub. The lockdown has turned the tap down, not off. Until we cut emissions to net-zero — so that emissions flowing into the atmosphere are equivalent to those flowing out — the Earth will continue warming," says Osaka.