Contribution to anthropogenic emissions over time

• UKS contribution:

  > 1916 – industrialisation powered by coal peaked releasing 140 million tonnes of CO2

  > Early 1970s – concentration of emissions changed in proportion to economic activity.

  -e.g: Financial crash of 2009 caused decrease in fossil fuel consumption thus GHG emissions.
• Since 1971 annual emissions reduced by 1/3 due to:

  1. Shift from coal as a primary fuel source for electricity generation (heating) to cheaper natural gas.

  2.  Improvements in energy conservation through energy-efficient homes, offices, and factories-Consumption based co2 emissions fell by 30% as a result of cleaner fuels, increased energy efficiency.

  3. legally binding reductions in carbon emissions.

  4. Development of nuclear power stations and introduction of renewable energy sources since 1990s
• UKs development of renewable energy sources since 1990s:

  > 2014 - ‘Drax’, North Yorkshire coal fired PowerStation switched to biomass fuels   

  > 2019 - 40% of electricity generation came from renewables.

  > ‘Hornsea 1’ off coast of Essex is largest offshore wind farm in world with capacity of 1200 MW supplying 1 million homes.

  > Government wants to decarbonise economy though largest solar farm: to be built in North Kent supplying 90,000 homes.
• China's contribution:

  > Before 1970s – country’s economy was rural and dependent on biofuels (timber, animal waste)

  > After 1980s – embraced free market (source of FDI and international trade)

  > 2019 - Became global player

  controlled 18% of world’s exports in contrast to 1% in 70s

  Industrialisation/urbanisation caused major internal migration rural -> urban

  • Caused GDP per capita to raise by from US$300 -> US$13,000.
  • Driven by major energy consumption from coal reserves and increased consumerism and increased population
• China's development of renewable energy sources:

  Aims to reduce co2 emissions by 60%:

  • Largest global solar farm, ‘Longyangxia’ generates 850 MW.
  • Wind farm at Gansu provides 2/3 of China’s energy.
  • In 2023, installed electric generator with capacity of 1.5 TW of renewable energy.