The impact of CO2 pollution on socio-economical and human life indicators

Lorenzo de Appolonia | Mykola Honcharov | SUPSI DTI

Introduction

What is the current state of pollution in the world? who is to blame? and which is the influence of pollution on human life?. This set of data visualisations offers a detailed exploration of historical CO2 emission trends and their correlation with key human development indicators, including the Human Development Index and life expectancy.

Historical analysis

The historical trajectory of CO2 emissions is a critical component in understanding the environmental impact of industrial activities and informing global climate policy. In this project, we embark on a historical analysis of CO2 production by the top five emitting countries over the last century and a half, utilizing data visualizations to examine the trends and patterns of emissions over time. Through this analysis, we aim to provide insights into how industrialization, economic growth, and energy consumption practices have contributed to current levels of atmospheric CO2. The graph titled "Historical CO2 Production of top 5 world CO2 producers" serves as a foundational piece of our analysis. It offers a vivid depiction of the cumulative emissions from China, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States from the 1860s to the present day. By layering the emission trajectories of these nations, we gain a comparative perspective on their contributions to global CO2 levels. This visualization not only reflects the historical industrial activities of these nations but also indicates their evolving roles in the context of global environmental change.

CO2 production area-chart

What are the historical trends and comparative scales of CO2 production among the leading global contributors from 1860 to 2021?

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Geographical analysis

As the global community grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change, understanding the distribution of carbon dioxide emissions across the world becomes increasingly important. This project seeks to explore and visualize CO2 emissions, focusing on per capita production and overall output by country in the year 2021. By analyzing these metrics, we aim to shed light on the regional disparities and impacts of environmental pollution, providing critical insights that can support international efforts to mitigate climate change. The two graphs, illustrating CO2 per capita production and total CO2 production, serve as the primary visual tools for this analysis. The first map highlights the per capita emissions, offering a perspective on individual contributions to global emissions, while the second map displays the total emissions by country, emphasizing the aggregate impact on the environment. Together, these visualizations juxtapose the relative scales of emissions, drawing attention to the fact that the environmental footprint of a country is not solely a function of its population size but also of its industrial practices and energy policies.

CO2 production region map

How does CO2 production vary by country in 2021, and what does this reveal about regional environmental impacts?

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CO2 production (per capita) region map

How does CO2 production vary by country in 2021, and what does this reveal about regional environmental impacts?

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Socio-Economical analysis

This research project explores the complex relationship between per capita CO2 emissions and various socio-economic indicators within European countries. Through the analysis of three different data visualisations, we aim to highlight the links between environmental impact and aspects of the Human Development Index (HDI) such as education, life expectancy and income levels. The graphs provide a comparative view across regions in Europe, fostering a deeper understanding of how carbon emissions correlate with different measures of societal progress.

CO2 production and L.E. scatterplot

Is there a statistically significant correlation between life expectancy and CO2 emissions per capita among European countries?

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CO2 production and H.D.I. scatterplot

How does the CO2 emissions per capita relate to Human developement?

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CO2 production and G.N.I. scatterplot

What are the implications of the relationship between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability for European economies?

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