Climate and Energy

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

Electricity and heat production is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 25% of total emissions.

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Solar energy is the fastest-growing renewable energy source globally, with increasing installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Embodied energy refers to the amount of energy required to produce, transport, and deliver a product or service, considering all stages of its life cycle.

China is the largest producer of renewable energy in the world, leading in the production of solar and wind energy.

Agriculture, particularly the expansion of large-scale farming and plantations, is the primary cause of deforestation in tropical regions.

The Paris Agreement is an international agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial sources or the atmosphere and storing it underground or in geological formations.

Hydropower has the highest capacity factor among renewable energy sources, meaning it can generate electricity more consistently and reliably.

Energy transition refers to the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and the transformation of energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The United States has the highest per capita carbon footprint in the world, primarily due to its high energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy efficiency refers to the process of reducing energy consumption through more efficient technologies and practices, such as using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

Solar energy is currently the most cost-effective renewable energy source, with the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continuing to decline.

Afforestation refers to the process of planting trees and establishing new forests, which helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.