The “carbon debt” of rich countries is 250 billion tons of carbon dioxide – Instituto Humanitas Unisinos

A new study on University of LeedsIn the United kingdomcalculate that states Global North (the richest and most industrialized), in terms of the social cost of carbon, owe up to $170 trillion to countries Global South (poorer and developing countries) for issuing more than their fair share of Carbon Dioxide (Carbon Dioxide) in the atmosphere since 1990.

The report was written by Henrique Cortez and published by him EcoDebate07-06-2023.

The study published in the journal NatureClimate Change. Climate changemodel, based on the concept ofcarbon budgetwhich is the maximum amount Carbon Dioxide which may be issued to reduce Global Warming at 1.5°C or 2°C, as agreed upon Paris agreement.

The researchers section carbon budget between countries based on criteria such as population, income, and historical responsibility for emissions. They then compared each country’s share of actual emissions from 1990 to 2015, and projected future emissions through 2030.

They found that countries in Global North They have used or allocated about 16% more of their carbon budget than their fair share, while the countries of the Global South have used or allocated about 14% less. This difference is equivalent to a debt carbon 250 billion tons of carbon dioxide.

The top five countries responsible for excessive emissions – and the amount they will have to pay in compensation by 2050. The table also shows the top five countries that have produced low emissions and will receive compensation. (Image: University of Leeds)

To determine the amount of this debt, the researchers used the concept of “The social cost of carbon’, which is an estimate of the economic damage caused by each ton of carbon dioxide emitted. They considered three different scenarios: optimistic, median, and pessimistic.

In the optimistic scenario, the social cost of carbon is $68 per ton Carbon Dioxideand the carbon debt $17 trillion. In the medium scenario, the cost is $271 per ton, and the debt is $68 trillion. In the pessimistic scenario, the cost is $684 per ton, and the debt is $170 trillion.

The study authors argue that these numbers show urgency the importance of the increase climate finance From rich countries to poor countries, to help them adapt to the effects weather changes and the Reduce your emissions.

They also argue that states Global North It must reduce its emissions faster and more deeply than it is currently doing, to prevent carbon debt increase more.

The study concluded that “the Global Climate Justice Not only does it require a quick jump to International Economy with Zero net emissionsbut also a significant redistribution of financial and technological resources between countries.

reference

FanningAL; heckelc. Compensation for atmosphere credits. Nat Sooten (2023).

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