The Global Carbon Project announced yesterday (Dec. 5) that, according to its recent research, carbon dioxide emissions are expected to reach an all-time high this year. Two Northwestern University carbon experts are available to comment on this finding.

Yarrow Axford is an associate professor of earth and planetary sciences in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on climate and environmental change. She can be reached at [email protected].

Quote from Professor Axford
“Although emissions are rising, we’re also seeing incredible global growth of renewables and of more efficient technology. We have laid the groundwork for a big change. But we need the political will to fully update our energy system before every coastal city and all of our agricultural regions are faced with even bigger challenges from climate change.” 

Neal Blair is a professor of environmental engineering in the McCormick School of Engineering and professor of earth and planetary sciences in the Weinberg College. His research explores carbon’s behavior as well as its impacts on climate and land use. He can be reached at [email protected].

Quote from Professor Blair
“The latest observation that carbon dioxide emissions are at a record pace illustrates the need for a coordinated global action to reduce fossil fuel use. Europe has taken the lead, but it cannot offset the increased use of fossil fuels by the emerging economies of China and India. The United States, which is also a major source of carbon dioxide, has the technical ability to be the most consequential leader in reducing emissions but has elected to watch and not help.”

 

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