Climate Crisis in Numbers [PyCon DE & PyData Berlin 2024]

Global greenhouse gas emissions are currently around 50 gigatons of CO2 equivalent per year, with CO2 making up about 75%, methane 17%, and nitrous oxide 6%

For every 10,000 tons of CO2 emitted, statistically one additional person dies from climate-related causes over time

We have already crossed 1 degree of warming compared to pre-industrial levels, with 2023 likely being the year we cross 1.5°C

China is currently the largest emitter, though historically the US and Europe are responsible for the majority of cumulative emissions

Different greenhouse gases have varying potencies and atmospheric lifetimes:

• CO2 stays 300-1000 years
• Methane stays 12 years but has 25x the warming effect
• Nitrous oxide stays 100 years with 298x the warming effect

Major decarbonization opportunities include:

• Renewable energy grid transformation (24 to 3 gigatons)
• Transportation electrification
• Industrial processes like cement manufacturing
• Nature-based solutions and carbon sinks

Current trajectories point to 2.4°C warming by 2100, leading to approximately 10 million excess deaths

To stay within 1.5°C warming we have about 5 years left at current emission rates

We need both emissions reduction and negative emissions technologies like direct air capture

Individual actions matter but systemic change through work at climate-focused organizations can have bigger impact