Thread by @EdConwaySky

As @COP26 gets going in Glasgow, if you’re wondering where the world’s emissions actually come from, here’s a primer I made recently for @SkyNews

Here is one big problem overshadowing the discussions at @COP26.
The targets you’ll mostly hear about this fortnight (NDCs) are based on domestic emissions.
On this front the UK, for instance, has done brilliantly, bringing them down 35% since 1990

But consider how much carbon this country is not just emitting in its borders but is RESPONSIBLE for, via imported goods, and the total is much higher - the dark line here.
This is our FOOTPRINT.
It’s going down, but not as fast. And it’s not due to hit net zero til after 2050

There’s a logic behind focusing on the primarily on the white line, as the COP process does.
Each country does what it can.
However the problem with this is it has perverse consequences. The UK looks v good on this front in part because it has DEINDUSTRIALISED faster than most

So the process effectively incentivises countries to shut down heavy industry and shift it elsewhere - and then blame, say, China or India for not decarbonising fast enough.
Which is perverse.