According to an annual study, global carbon emissions increased significantly in 2007, with developing countries like China and India now responsible for more than half of the world's carbon dioxide output, the main gas linked to global warming. The Global Carbon Project's report revealed that carbon dioxide emissions from human activities are growing much faster since 2000 compared to the 1990s, despite efforts by some countries to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The burning of fossil fuels was a major factor in the rise in emissions. The report also predicted that India would soon surpass Russia to become the world's third largest emitter of CO2. The executive director of the Global Carbon Project noted that for the first time, developing countries are contributing more emissions to the atmosphere annually than developed nations. He informed Reuters that China is now the leading emitter and is responsible for 60% of the growth in emissions. The United States is the second largest emitter. The International Council for Science supports the project. Professor Barry Brook from the University of Adelaide in Australia warned that the rapid increase in emissions could lead to faster global warming than previously expected, with CO2 concentrations potentially reaching 450 ppm by 2030 instead of 2040. Currently, the level of CO2 is slightly above 380 ppm. However, reaching 450 ppm of CO2 will result in a 2 degrees Celsius global warming, leading to catastrophic consequences. The Global Carbon Project, which began in 2001, studies changes in the earth's carbon cycle due to both human and natural emissions, as well as how carbon is absorbed by sinks like oceans and forests. Data from CO2 samples worldwide and national emissions reported to the United Nations are analyzed by the project. The significant increase in emissions from 2000 to 2007 was unprecedented and occurred despite international efforts to combat climate change. Currently, only 37 wealthy nations are obligated to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, the primary global agreement addressing climate change. However, this agreement does not require developing countries to limit their emissions. The United Nations is working on negotiations to extend the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 and hopes to create a plan that will involve all nations in reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. A recent report has shown that the concentration of atmospheric CO2 reached 383 parts per million in 2007, a significant increase compared to levels at the start of the industrial revolution. This is the highest level in the past 650,000 years. The report also noted that the annual growth rate of atmospheric CO2 increased to 2.2 ppm in 2007, up from 1.8 ppm in 2006. Professor Matthew England, who is the joint director of the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, stated that the recent data on increasing carbon dioxide emissions should serve as a significant alert to the industry, business, and politicians. Canadell mentioned that the credit crisis is expected to reduce emissions growth, but he also emphasized that unless major countries like China, India, Russia, and Japan experience similar economic struggles as the United States, any decrease in emissions will likely be minimal.