World leaders and delegates are convening in Antalya, Turkiye, for COP31, the United Nations’ annual climate summit held from November 9 to 20. As global greenhouse gas emissions continue their upward trend, now reaching 54.1 billion tonnes, this gathering serves as a crucial moment for the international community to confront the escalating climate crisis and reaffirm their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Climate leaders from around the world are assembling in Antalya, Turkiye, for COP31, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, which runs from November 9 to 20. This year’s summit takes place amid alarming figures reporting that global emissions have reached 54.1 billion tonnes in 2025, reflecting a 0.7 percent increase from the previous year and a staggering 68.5 percent rise since 1990, according to data from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the International Energy Agency.
The primary contributors to these emissions are greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere and elevate global temperatures, exacerbating heatwaves, droughts, floods, and other extreme weather phenomena. In a visual explainer, ZezapTV illustrates the types of gases warming the planet, identifies major emitting countries and industries, and tracks how emissions levels have evolved over time.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) comprises a significant 73.8 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions as of 2025, emitted predominantly through the burning of fossil fuels and from deforestation processes that eliminate trees capable of absorbing this greenhouse gas. Methane (CH4) follows, contributing 17.6 percent, while nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated gases (F-gases) represent smaller portions at 5.3 percent and 3.3 percent respectively. Notably, CO2 emissions have surged by 76.3 percent since 1990.
The accumulation of these gases has had far-reaching effects, with temperatures in the world’s oceans reaching unprecedented levels in 2025. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports a sharp increase in ocean warming over the last two decades. Extreme weather events linked to climate change have resulted in widespread devastation. In 2026 alone, tens of thousands lost their lives to climate-related disasters, with millions more displaced from their homes. This includes devastating heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in Europe leading to over 30,000 excess deaths, as well as catastrophic events like a glacier collapse in the Himalayas resulting in over 1,500 fatalities.
The primary sectors fueling emissions include the power industry, producing nearly 30 percent of global emissions in 2025, with significant contributions arising from rapidly industrializing economies such as China and India. The industrial sector, comprising manufacturing and mining, accounts for another 21 percent, followed by transport at 16 percent. Collectively, these three sectors are responsible for about two-thirds of global emissions, with the remainder stemming from agriculture (12 percent), fossil fuel extraction (11 percent), buildings (6.6 percent), and waste (3.6 percent).
At COP31, countries with the highest emissions will be closely scrutinized. In 2025, China emerged as the largest emitter, responsible for approximately 16 billion tonnes, followed by the United States and India at 6.02 billion and 4.51 billion tonnes, respectively. Collectively, the countries of the European Union contributed 5.8 percent, while other nations like Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Iran also played roles in global emissions.
As the summit unfolds, the focus will be on fostering collaboration and establishing effective strategies to combat climate change. With the urgent need to pivot towards sustainable practices, the global community is hopeful for actionable commitments to mitigate the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation in building a resilient future.
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