Led by China, CO2 gases rise despite economy

It’s growth meant another increase in 2008; ‘09 should see global drop

WASHINGTON – Pollution typically declines during a recession. Not this time.

Despite a global economic slump, worldwide carbon dioxide pollution rose 2 percent last year, most of the increase coming from China, according to a study published online Tuesday.

Carbon dioxide emissions, the chief man-made greenhouse gas, come from the burning of coal, oil, natural gas, and also from the production of cement, which is a significant pollution factor in China. Worldwide emissions rose 671 million more tons from 2007 to 2008. Nearly three-quarters of that increase came from China.

MSNBC