Renewables on the Rise: Balancing the Record High in Global Carbon Pollution
Despite the surge in clean energy sources, energy-related emissions hit a new peak, driven by countries increasing fossil fuel usage due to droughts
Global carbon pollution from energy reached an all-time high last year, with a significant contribution coming from the increased use of fossil fuels in countries affected by droughts that limited hydropower production, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Thursday.
Scientists emphasize the urgent need for drastic reductions in carbon emissions, particularly from the combustion of fossil fuels, in the upcoming years in order to achieve the targets set to control the global temperature rise and avoid irreversible climate change.
The IEA reported that CO2 emissions have hit a new record high, instead of decreasing rapidly as needed to achieve the global climate targets of the Paris Agreement.
According to the IEA analysis, global energy-related emissions increased by 410 million metric tons, or 1.1%, in 2023, reaching a total of 37.4 billion metric tons.
A boat passes by the Bidwell Bar Bridge engulfed in flames during the Bear fire in Oroville, California on September 9, 2020.
Dangerous dry winds fueled California's wildfires, breaking records and starting new fires. As a result, hundreds of people were evacuated by helicopter and tens of thousands experienced power outages in the western United States.
A boat motors by as the Bidwell Bar Bridge is surrounded by fire in Lake Oroville during the Bear fire in Oroville, California on September 9, 2020. - Dangerous dry winds whipped up California's record-breaking wildfires and ignited new blazes Tuesday, as hundreds were evacuated by helicopter and tens of thousands were plunged into darkness by power outages across the western United States. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
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The past decade has been identified as the hottest on record, with climate change showing alarming trends according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Despite a global increase in the adoption of clean technologies such as wind, solar, and electric vehicles, there was still a 1.3% growth in emissions in 2022. This was attributed to the reopening of China's economy, higher fossil fuel usage in countries with limited hydropower resources, and a rebound in the aviation industry, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Moves to replace lost hydropower generation due to extreme droughts were responsible for approximately 40% of the increase in emissions, equivalent to 170 million tonnes of CO2.
According to the IEA, if it were not for this factor, emissions from the global electricity sector would have actually decreased in 2023.
Energy-related emissions in the United States decreased by 4.1% last year, mainly due to the electricity sector, as stated in the report.
In the European Union, energy emissions dropped by nearly 9% in the same period. This was attributed to the increase in renewable energy production and a decline in both coal and gas power generation.
In China, energy emissions increased by 5.2% due to the rise in energy demand as the country bounced back from COVID-19 lockdowns.
On a positive note, China played a significant role in global renewable energy growth by contributing around 60% of new solar, wind power, and electric vehicle installations in 2023, according to the IEA.
Editor's P/S:
The relentless rise in global carbon pollution from energy is a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action. The IEA's report highlights the critical need to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace sustainable energy sources. The devastating droughts that have ravaged hydropower production serve as a wake-up call, demonstrating the vulnerability of our energy systems to extreme weather events.
The record-breaking emissions levels are a sobering testament to the challenges ahead. Despite the progress made in some regions, the overall trend is alarming. The IEA's findings emphasize the need for bold and decisive action at all levels—from governments to businesses to individuals. It is imperative that we accelerate the deployment of renewable technologies, invest in energy efficiency measures, and work together to create a clean energy future for our planet.
