Climate free riders world map - half greenhouse emissions from 4% of countries

A Map from our study, showing which countries produce the most greenhouse gases and experience the least effects of climate change (brown) and countries that produce the least greenhouse gases but experience the worst effects of climate change (green). *click to enlarge

The map shows that the developed countries are taking a free ride on climate change, with the poorer countries being most affected by it. We in Australia and the like are getting the benefit of using huge amounts of fossil fuels with relatively low climate impact. Those in poorer countries however that have a low rate of carbon emissions are being most affected by climate change.

The Paris climate agreement finalised in December last year heralded a new era for climate action. For the first time, the world’s nations agreed to keep global warming well below the critical threshold of 2℃. 

This is vital for climate-vulnerable nations. Fewer than 4% of countries are responsible for more than half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. In a study published today in Nature Scientific Reports, we reveal just how deep this injustice runs. 

Developed nations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and European countries are essentially climate “free-riders”: causing the majority of the problem (through high greenhouse gas emissions), while incurring few of the costs (such as climate change’s impact on food and water). 

In other words, a few countries are benefiting enormously from the consumption of fossil fuels, while at the same time contributing disproportionately to the global burden of climate change. The Conversation