While the Global Financial Crisis of 2008/09 put the brakes on carbon emissions, the world seems to have let out a carbon sigh of relief in the order of a record 5.9 per cent increase in 2010.

Scientists working with the Global Carbon Project have published its annual analysis today in the journal Nature Climate Change, reporting that the impact of the GFC on emissions has been short-lived owing to strong emissions growth in emerging economies and a return to emissions growth in developed economies.

The report GCP 2010 shows growth in 2010 were largest from China, USA, India, the Russian Federation, and the European Union, with a continuously growing global share from emerging economies.

Coal burning was at the heart of the growth in fossil fuel and cement emissions accounting for 52 per cent of the total growth. 

A CSIRO News Release GFC CSIRO NR has more information.