New research on global climate pollution is delivering whiplash for the prospects of climate action.
The world’s carbon intensity — which measures the amount of greenhouse gases for every dollar of gross domestic product — has declined significantly over the past decade. That means economic growth is associated with smaller increases in the pollution that’s raising temperatures.
But despite those gains, the total amount of carbon emissions has continued to increase. That’s because global economic growth was so high that it outpaced the strides in carbon intensity.
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A trio of researchers from the University of Washington reported the findings Friday in a new scientific paper. It wasn’t the only important message within the study.
