Shanghai, Tokyo, New York City, and Houston are among the world's largest urban contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, according to data presented at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The analysis, conducted by Climate TRACE, a coalition co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, used advanced satellite technology and artificial intelligence to track emissions from over 9,000 urban areas worldwide. This comprehensive approach paints a stark picture of the role cities play in accelerating climate change.

Shanghai tops the list, emitting 256 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, surpassing the emissions of entire countries such as Colombia and Norway. Tokyo follows closely, with 250 million metric tons, while New York City and Houston account for 160 million and 150 million metric tons, respectively, as reported by The Independent.

Asian and U.S. Cities Dominate Emissions Rankings

Asia and the United States dominate the rankings of urban greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to Shanghai and Tokyo, Seoul emits 142 million metric tons annually, placing it fifth globally. The significant output of these cities rivals or exceeds the emissions of many nations.

"If Tokyo were a country, its emissions would place it among the top 40 nations globally," noted Straight Arrow News.

The Permian Basin in Texas has also gained attention as the world’s single most polluting site. Gore highlighted its outsized impact during COP29, comparing its pollution levels unfavorably to those of heavily industrialized regions in Russia and China.

 

Texas Ranks Among Global Emissions Leaders

While China dominates emissions rankings with six provinces each emitting over 1 billion metric tons annually, Texas is the only non-Chinese region to reach this threshold. The state ranks sixth globally, emitting over 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, according to ABC News.

Texas’s contributions are partly due to its extensive fossil fuel industry, with the Permian Basin accounting for significant methane emissions. Methane, a short-lived but highly potent greenhouse gas, saw a global increase of 0.2% in 2023, underscoring the need for urgent action to mitigate emissions from fossil fuel production.

  

Global Emissions: Winners and Losers

The latest Climate TRACE data reveals notable trends in global emissions. China, India, Iran, Indonesia, and Russia experienced the most significant increases in greenhouse gases between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, nations like the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom saw measurable declines in emissions during the same period. This mixed progress highlights disparities in national and regional climate policies, as KARE 11 reports.

The report also examined traditional pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which exacerbate health risks. Al Gore labeled air pollution as “the single biggest health threat facing humanity,” emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

 

Fossil Fuel Interests Loom Over COP29

The ongoing influence of the fossil fuel industry at COP29 has drawn criticism from environmental activists and policymakers. More than 1,700 fossil fuel lobbyists attended the summit, prompting calls for a “firewall” between these interests and climate negotiations. Activist David Tong compared the presence of lobbyists at COP29 to "tobacco lobbyists at a conference on lung cancer," according to Al Jazeera.

Gore expressed frustration over the fossil fuel industry's outsized influence, stating, “It’s unfortunate that petrostates and fossil fuel companies have seized control of the COP process.”

The sentiment reflects growing disillusionment among climate activists regarding the effectiveness of the current negotiation framework.

 

Challenges Ahead

Despite the grim statistics, there are glimmers of hope. The COP29 summit aims to develop new financing mechanisms to support climate action in developing nations, with proposals to mobilize at least $1 trillion annually. These efforts, while ambitious, face significant hurdles, including geopolitical tensions and the entrenched influence of fossil fuel interests.

Cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, and Houston serve as stark reminders of the need for local governments to take aggressive steps toward reducing emissions. Climate TRACE’s comprehensive tracking system offers a vital tool for identifying and addressing the largest sources of greenhouse gases. However, without coordinated global action, the challenge of mitigating urban emissions will remain daunting.