Burning Up

BURNING UP 8000 Since 1751, approximately 356 billion metric tons of carbon have been released into the atmosphere through the consumption of fossil fuels and cement production. Half of these emissions have occurred since the mid-1980s. The use of all types of fossel fuels - solid, liquid, and gas – has steadily increased. The estimated 8,738 million metric tons of carbon released in 2009 represents a small decline of 0.35% from the all-time high of 8,769 in 2008. This decrease was a result of the global financial crisis. 6000 4000 2000 million metric tons of carbon 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 COAL OIL NATURAL CEMENT GAS FLARING GAS PRODUCTION Source: cdiac.ornl.gov Design: Cameron Tulk CIC NSI The North South Institute