COP29 Spotlights World's Top Polluting Cities Amid Frustration

Cities in Asia and the United States are responsible for the highest emissions of heat-trapping gases contributing to climate change, with Shanghai topping the list, according to new data presented at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The findings, which combine satellite observations with artificial intelligence, reveal that large cities often emit more greenhouse gases than some countries.

Shanghai leads the world with 256 million metric tons of emissions, more than Colombia or Norway. Tokyo ranks second, while New York City and Houston also rank among the top 50 in global emissions. The data, compiled by Climate Trace—an organization co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore—also highlights the growing role of fossil fuels in escalating climate concerns. Notably, the Permian Basin in Texas was singled out as the world’s highest-polluting site.

The latest figures show global carbon dioxide and methane emissions have risen by 0.7% to 61.2 billion metric tons. While countries like China, India, and Russia saw major increases in emissions, nations such as the U.S. and the U.K. showed reductions. The report underscores that burning fossil fuels is a major contributor to both greenhouse gases and toxic air pollution, posing serious health risks.

At the climate talks, frustration over the lack of meaningful progress was palpable. Many activists and officials criticized the influence of the fossil fuel industry on the negotiations. A letter from former U.N. leaders called for urgent reforms to the climate talks process, arguing that it has become too compromised by oil-rich nations like Azerbaijan and the UAE, who continue to promote fossil fuel dependence.

Despite these challenges, small island nations, often the most vulnerable to climate change, continue to push for stronger action. Cedric Schuster, chair of their negotiating bloc, reminded the international community of the core mission of the Paris Agreement: protecting the planet’s most vulnerable populations.