Analysis of spatial distribution of global energy-related CO2 emissions

The purpose of this paper is to use the gravity theory to study the spatial distribution and centers of gravity for the global energy-related CO2 emissions and to determine how they have changed over time. The main results are as follows: (1) In 2011, global energy-related CO2 emissions reached 34,032.74 Mt, and Asia was the largest CO2 emitter, which accounted for 45.25 % of total CO2 emissions in the world. (2) Since 2006, China has exceeded the USA and become the biggest CO2 emissions country. (3) In terms of the annual growth speed of CO2 emissions, China is the fastest, followed by India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and South Africa. (4) During the study period, the center of gravity for CO2 emissions is an overall movement toward the southeast, and Asia has become the center of gravity for CO2 emissions.