Global energy-related CO2 emissions hit a record high in 2022, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting a 0.9% increase to a total of 36.8 billion tons.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind, as well as the growing use of electric vehicles, helped offset the impact of increased coal and oil use. But scientists warn that we need deep cuts in emissions to prevent runaway climate change.
Growing CO2 emissions from fossil fuels
According to the IEA research, coal-related CO2 emissions increased by 1.6% in 2022 as more nations shifted to dirtier fuel in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a decrease in Russian gas supply to Europe, which led to record-high gas prices.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions from oil rose by 2.5%, driven partly by a rebound in air travel as the world recovered from the pandemic.
The report also highlights the negative impact of lower output from nuclear power plants and extreme weather events like heat waves, which contributed to the increase in energy-related emissions.
What caused higher CO2 levels?
Several factors are responsible for the increase in coal-related CO2 emissions. The IEA report notes that many nations turned to coal as a substitute for natural gas in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a decrease in Russian gas supply to Europe. This led to record-high gas prices, making coal a more attractive option.
Coal is a much dirtier fuel than natural gas and is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. As more nations turned to coal in 2022, the increase in CO2 emissions was inevitable.
The rise in CO2 emissions from oil comes partly from a rebound in air travel as the world recovered from the pandemic. Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and the increase in travel led to a corresponding increase in emissions.
Oil is also a significant contributor to global emissions, and the increase in CO2 emissions from oil is a cause for concern. The IEA report notes that efforts are an essential factor in the transition away from fossil fuels like oil and toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
Record profits for fossil fuel producers
The IEA’s report comes just weeks after major fossil fuel producers, including Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell, and BP, reported record profits. BP also announced that it was rowing back on plans to slash oil and gas output and reduce emissions.
International and national fossil fuel companies must take their share of responsibility, said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. As emissions continue to grow from fossil fuels, efforts in meeting global climate targets will hinder.
Offsetting CO2 emissions with clean technology
Despite the increase in emissions, the report notes that renewable energy sources like wind and solar, energy efficiency measures, and electric vehicles helped to avoid an additional 550 million tons of CO2 emissions last year.
However, scientists warn that much deeper cuts are needed. That’s the only way of limiting global temperature rises and preventing catastrophic climate change.
The IEA’s report highlights the urgent need for action to reduce global emissions from fossil fuels and transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
While the growth of renewable energy and clean technology is encouraging, it is not yet enough to offset the impact of continued reliance on fossil fuels. Policymakers, industry leaders, and individuals must work together to achieve the deep cuts in emissions that are needed to secure a sustainable future for the planet.