CARBON-DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM THE USE OF FOSSIL-FUELS IN ASIA - AN OVERVIEW

Asian emissions of carbon dioxide from the use of fossil fuels now exc eed those from North America or Europe. It is thus essential that the countries of Asia be full and active partners in any global agreement to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper presents estima ted emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use in each of the co untries and geographical entities of Asia. The two favored approaches for reducing future emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use a re: (i) improving the efficiency of energy use; and (ii) making greate r use of less carbon-intensive sources of energy. With respect to ener gy efficiency, the higher Energy/GNP ratio of developing countries whe n compared to industrialized countries is frequently cited as evidence of the inefficient use of energy in developing countries. However, th is comparison is made using a GNP figure that is calculated using mark et exchange rates. In contrast, when GNP is based on purchasing power parity, the Energy/GNP ratios for developing countries are similar to the ratios for industrialized countries. Data for some of the larger d eveloping countries of Asia are presented to illustrate this point. Th e potential for increasing the use of natural gas is also discussed an d the proven reserves of natural gas in a number of countries are prov ided.