This map is based on the computation of potential of CO2 emissions at a distance of 500 km. It evaluates the local situation of territories as compared to the neighbouring areas. For instance, the CO2 emissions exceed 1,500 millions of tons of oil equivalent a year at a distance of 500 km around each point in the areas coloured in dark red.

 

• The geography of CO2 emission looks like the geography of wealth and production at world level. The map roughly highlights the importance of the countries of the so-called Triad, of emerging countries and generally of the most densely populated regions in the world. The European Union is one of the first origins of CO2 emissions, especially its most populated part. The annual emissions gradually decrease when one proceed to the peripheries of Europe but remains high in Russia and the Persian Gulf.
• The graph shows the steady increase of CO2 emissions in Easter Asia since 1990. Conversely, the emissions have been decreasing in Europe and slightly increased in Northern America. These two regions have made real efforts to harness their emissions. But this good performance is partly due to the resettlement of a part of their manufacturing industries in Eastern Asia (outsourcing).
• In deed, the decline of CO2 emission can't be solved at State or EU level. This implies define some ambitious targets at world scale or, at least, by big areas such America, Europe-Russia-Persian Gulf, Asia and Pacific etc.).