Global Carbon Emissions Rose in 2024 Despite Mitigation Efforts
In 2024, global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach a record 37.4 billion tonnes, marking a 0.8% increase from the previous year. This rise occurs despite significant progress in electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy deployment, and deforestation reduction initiatives.
Key Findings
- China: Emissions are expected to increase by 0.2%, primarily due to economic growth and energy demands.
- India: A significant rise of 4.6% in emissions is anticipated, driven by industrial expansion and coal usage.
- United States: Emissions are projected to decrease by 0.6%, reflecting a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
- European Union: A 3.8% reduction in emissions is expected, attributed to stringent climate policies and renewable energy investments.
Sectoral Emissions
- Coal: Emissions from coal are projected to rise by 1%, underscoring the ongoing reliance on this fossil fuel.
- Oil: A 1.7% increase in oil-related emissions is anticipated, largely due to a rebound in aviation and shipping activities.
- Gas: Emissions from natural gas are expected to remain stable, with no significant change from the previous year.
Land Use and Carbon Sinks
Encouragingly, emissions from land-use changes, such as deforestation, are projected to decline by 0.1%. Natural carbon sinks, including forests and oceans, continue to absorb approximately half of all CO₂ emissions, highlighting their critical role in mitigating climate change.
Implications for Climate Targets
The persistent rise in global emissions poses a significant challenge to achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Immediate and sustained efforts are required to reverse this trend and implement effective climate mitigation strategies.
