Impact of C02 Emissions on the Developing World

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is currently finalising its 4th Assessment report on climate change. Working Group III’s document on mitigation states that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have increased by 70% from 1970 to 2004.  The direct emissions from the transport sector have increased by 120%. 

This is the second largest growth per sector, the largest growth comes from the energy supply sector. The consequences of increased GHG emissions include increased chances of natural disasters such as flooding, drought and hurricanes.  There is particular concern about the impact this will have on the developing world. 

Developed countries currently represent the major contributor of CO2 emissions internationally, but emissions from developing countries are rapidly increasing and are showing no signs of stabilisation in the short term.  The rapid economic development of countries like India and China, means that more and more people can afford private vehicles, which leads to increased emissions. 

The transport sector accounts for approximately 25% of CO2 emissions in South African cities, although only 26% of households have access to private vehicles.  This number will increase as monthly incomes increase and people are able to afford vehicles.  The public transport system in South Africa suffers from a lack of consistent investment, which has led to the poor quality of vehicles operating on the roads, which can be less fuel efficient and more polluting.  This contributes to an increase in CO2 emissions as well as negatively impacting on air quality in the country. 

– Article is produced by Sustainable Energy Africa.