Greenhouse gases trap heat and accumulate in the atmosphere. This makes the difference between emissions and concentration depend on land use, weather and the infrastructure that stores and moves the resource.
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Climate & EnvironmentQuestion 2 of 6Counting reads…
Answering this questionWhat is the difference between emissions and concentration?
The explanation below answers this question. Broader context for Why is the planet warming even when emissions fall in some countries? follows afterwards.
The deeper explanation
The answer in detail
What is the difference between emissions and concentration? is shaped by the forces, choices and constraints described in this collection. Global temperature responds to total concentrations and the energy balance of the planet.
Why it matters
Understanding accumulated warming clarifies why rapid emission cuts and adaptation are both necessary.
The wider system behind the difference between emissions and concentration
Farms, cities, households and ecosystems draw on the same resource, so decisions about the difference between emissions and concentration redistribute access, prices and risk between users.
Insurance, public budgets and trade carry the effects beyond the immediate place: a local shortage or adaptation choice can change food prices, health costs and investment elsewhere.
System lens
What makes this more complicated?
Three layers that help explain what changes the outcome.
Starting conditions
History, resources and institutional capacity set the starting position before the visible outcome appears.
Limits and trade-offs
Rules, capacity and competing priorities limit which responses are practical, even when several options look possible.
Choices and distribution
The outcome depends on who can change those conditions and how its consequences are shared.
Why is the planet warming even when emissions fall in some countries?
Shared background, people, references and other questions for this story collection.
Read the main storyMeet the players
The planet continues to warm due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
organization
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Research and assessment of climate change impacts.
Wants toto provide comprehensive assessments of climate change science and impacts.
LeverageInfluences global climate policy through scientific assessments.
Read profile: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assesses scientific information related to climate change. It compiles data on greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on global temperatures. The IPCC's findings inform international climate policy and adaptation strategies, emphasizing the need for rapid emission reductions.
organization
UN Environment Programme
Monitoring global emissions and environmental impacts.
Wants toto promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices.
LeverageShapes international environmental policy and awareness.
Read profile: UN Environment Programme
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) publishes the Emissions Gap Report, which evaluates the gap between current emissions and the levels needed to limit global warming. UNEP's work highlights the importance of addressing both current and historical emissions to mitigate climate change effects.
organization
World Resources Institute
Providing data on climate change and resource management.
Wants toto promote sustainable resource management and climate solutions.
LeverageInfluences climate action through data and analysis.
Read profile: World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) focuses on data-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Through its Climate Watch platform, WRI tracks greenhouse gas emissions and their implications for climate policy. The organization emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of emissions reductions among countries.
government
European Union
Setting and enforcing climate policies across member states.
Wants toto implement collective climate action and reduce emissions across Europe.
LeverageDirectly controls emissions through collective policy enforcement.
Read profile: European Union
The European Union (EU) establishes climate policies that member states must follow, including emission reduction targets and regulations. The EU's Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, influencing national policies and promoting sustainable practices.
group
Global Community
Engaging in climate action and advocacy.
Wants toto raise awareness and push for climate action at all levels.
LeverageMobilizes public opinion and advocacy for climate initiatives.
Read profile: Global Community
The global community, including NGOs, activists, and citizens, advocates for climate action and policy change. Their efforts aim to hold governments accountable for emissions reductions and promote sustainable practices. This collective action is essential for driving change and influencing policy decisions.
Sources & visual credits
Flags and logos identify the actors; they do not imply endorsement.
Story collection
6 questions to explore
Open a question to read its explainer and follow the linked questions in this collection.
A quick glossary for this collection.
Greenhouse gasA gas that absorbs and re-emits heat in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas released by fossil fuels, land use and other processes.
EmissionThe release of a substance into the atmosphere.
ConcentrationThe amount of a substance present in the atmosphere.
Carbon budgetThe remaining amount of emissions compatible with a temperature goal.
Radiative forcingA change in the energy balance affecting climate.
Sources for the whole story
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