Exported Emissions: A Rising Concern for Climate-Vulnerable Nations

Exported Emissions: A Rising Concern for Climate-Vulnerable Nations

Sub : Env

Sec : Climate change

Why in News

The recent United Nations Climate Conference in Baku has brought attention to the issue of “exported emissions.” Delegates and activists from climate-vulnerable countries are calling for accountability over pollution exported by fossil fuel-producing nations to developing countries. This topic is gaining momentum for inclusion in future climate summit agendas.

About Exported Emissions:

• Exported emissions refer to greenhouse gases generated from fossil fuels extracted in one country and then exported to others. These emissions are not counted in the producer country’s national carbon footprint.
• Climate-vulnerable nations argue that fossil fuel-exporting countries should be responsible for the emissions resulting from their exports, as these significantly contribute to global warming.
• The 2015 Paris Agreement requires countries to set targets for reducing their domestic greenhouse gas emissions and report progress. However, it does not address emissions from exported fossil fuels.
• Exclusion of Exported Emissions: This loophole allows countries to claim progress in reducing domestic emissions while continuing to export large quantities of fossil fuels, contributing to global carbon emissions.

Global Distribution of Fossil Fuel Exports:

• The S. is the world’s largest oil and gas producer. Its fossil fuel exports have consistently increased due to high global demand.
• According to Climate Action Tracker, S. fossil fuel exports in 2022 resulted in emissions equivalent to one-third of its domestic emissions.
• Norway, Australia, and Canada are also significant fossil fuel exporters. In 2022, emissions from their exports exceeded their domestic emissions, highlighting the global impact of their fossil fuel production.
• A substantial portion of S. gas exports is directed to European nations seeking alternatives to Russian energy supplies.
• China is a major buyer of U.S. crude oil and coal. In North Africa, demand for U.S. coal has surged, particularly in Egypt and Morocco, driven by industries like cement and brick manufacturing.
• In the first half of 2024, S. coal exports reached around 52.5 million short tonnes, up by nearly 7% compared to the previous year.

Responsibility for Exported Emissions:

• Activists and delegates from climate-sensitive nations are pushing for accountability over exported emissions, urging fossil fuel producers to take responsibility for the climate impact of their exports.
• Countries like Norway argue that managing emissions should be the responsibility of the importing nations, stating, “Each country is responsible for reducing its own emissions.”
• At the Baku summit, Azerbaijan’s President criticized Western countries for what he perceived as hypocrisy, noting their continued reliance on fossil fuels while criticizing other nations’ carbon footprints.
• Europe’s increasing reliance on U.S. gas highlights the geopolitical dimensions of energy supply, particularly in the context of reducing dependency on Russian resources.

About Climate Action Tracker:

• The Climate Action Tracker is an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris Agreement aim of “holding warming well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.”
• A collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute, the CAT has been providing this independent analysis to policymakers since 2009.
• CAT quantifies and evaluates climate change mitigation targets, policies and action.
• It also aggregates country action to the global level, determining likely temperature increases during the 21st century using the MAGICC climate model.
• CAT further develops sectoral analysis to illustrate required pathways for meeting the global temperature goals.