Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the primary drivers of climate change, with global emissions continuing to rise despite international climate commitments. Tracking these emissions with data analytics helps identify major sources, trends, and solutions for mitigation. This article explores key emission trends, data sources, and how satellite monitoring enhances transparency.

Global GHG Emission Trends
📊 Rising CO₂ Levels:

  • 2023 CO₂ concentration: 419 ppm (parts per million), the highest in 3 million years.
  • The world emitted 37.4 billion metric tons of CO₂ in 2022, up 1% from 2021.
  • China, the US, and India are the top three emitters, contributing nearly 50% of global emissions.

💨 Sectoral Breakdown:

  • Energy (73%) – Coal, oil, and gas power plants are the largest contributors.
  • Industry (24%) – Cement, steel, and chemical production generate high emissions.
  • Agriculture (18%) – Methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers.
  • Transport (16%) – Road vehicles, shipping, and aviation fuel consumption.

🌍 Regional Disparities:

  • Developed nations historically emitted the most, but emerging economies now lead in annual emissions.
  • Per capita emissions remain highest in North America & the Gulf States.

Data Sources for Emissions Tracking
📡 Satellite-Based Monitoring:

  • NASA OCO-2 & ESA Sentinel-5P detect CO₂ and methane emissions from space.
  • GHGSat provides facility-level emissions data for industries worldwide.

📊 Official Reports & Models:

  • UNFCCC & National Inventories track emissions by country.
  • EDGAR (European Commission) provides high-resolution global emissions data.
  • Climate TRACE uses AI to estimate real-time emissions from different sectors.

📉 Corporate Carbon Footprint Tools:

  • Many companies now report emissions via CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Key Insights from Recent Data
📌 Methane emissions underestimated – New satellite data shows oil & gas methane leaks are 60% higher than official reports.
📌 Coal power is still dominant – Despite renewables, coal accounts for 36% of global electricity generation.
📌 Carbon sinks are weakening – Forest degradation in Amazon & Congo Basin reduces CO₂ absorption capacity.

Conclusion
GHG emissions tracking is more advanced than ever, with satellite monitoring, AI models, and national inventories providing critical insights. Real-time data enhances climate accountability, pushing governments and corporations toward stronger emissions reductions.