Key Environmental Metrics

A snapshot of critical environmental data and trends

four type of metric icons - Key Environmental Metrics

The “Overview of Key Environmental Metrics” offers a comprehensive snapshot of global carbon emissions, forest loss, and other critical environmental data. Featuring real-time updates and visualizations, this section tracks essential climate indicators such as CO2 emissions per capita, forest depletion, and energy depletion, with data sourced from the World Bank and Global Forest Watch. Interactive API charts highlight metrics like net forest depletion, carbon dioxide damage, and primary forest loss. The home page integrates these insights with an overview of the latest carbon market trends, featured articles, and key links, powered by the World Bank Carbon Pricing Dashboard API.

Adjusted savings: net forest depletion (% of GNI)

Shows the percentage of forest area relative to total land area for countries from 1970 to 2021. It highlights global trends in forest cover, with many regions experiencing a decrease in forested land due to deforestation and land use changes. The map reveals significant variations across countries, reflecting both losses and gains in forest area. The most recent data underscores the ongoing challenges and regional disparities in forest management, emphasizing the need for continued and targeted conservation efforts to address global deforestation and promote sustainable land use.

Adjusted savings: carbon dioxide damage (% of GNI)

This Chart visualizes the percentage of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and cement relative to GDP, from 1970 to 2021. It shows how CO2 emissions have evolved in relation to economic output. The chart reveals a general trend where many countries have seen an increase in CO2 emissions relative to their GDP, indicating a rise in carbon intensity. However, some regions have managed to decouple economic growth from emissions to a certain extent. This data highlights the ongoing challenge of reducing carbon emissions while pursuing economic development and underscores the need for policies that promote low-carbon technologies and sustainable economic practices.

Adjusted savings: energy depletion (% of GNI)

This Chart displays the percentage of total energy use derived from non-renewable sources relative to GDP from 1970 to 2021. This chart illustrates how the energy intensity of economic activity has evolved over time. It reveals trends in the reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, in relation to economic output. The data shows fluctuations and general patterns in energy use efficiency and dependence on non-renewable resources. As economies grow, the chart highlights the ongoing challenge of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources and improving energy efficiency to mitigate environmental impacts.

CO2 emissions (metric tons per capita)

The data indicates that global emissions are still rising, but many countries have managed to reduce their emissions in recent decades 4. For instance, domestic emissions in the UK have roughly decreased by 50% from 1990 to 2022 5.

The data also provides information on CO2 emissions per capita in kilotons of CO2 per year for various years, including 1970, 1990, 2005, 2017, and 2022 10. Additionally, the data includes indicators such as GDP per capita, consumption-based CO2 emissions per capita, and total greenhouse gas emissions in kt of CO2 equivalent

Global Primary Forest loss

This Chart provides a comprehensive overview of forest cover and deforestation trends worldwide. The dashboard offers a range of tools and data visualizations to help users understand the state of the world’s forests, including forest cover, deforestation rates, and forest degradation.

The data is sourced from a variety of organizations, including the University of Maryland, NASA, and the World Resources Institute, and is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance.