Coal-fired power plant, emissions, ecology – illustration photo
Paris – Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose 0.9 percent last year to a record 36 .8 billion tons. This is despite the fact that more clean technologies, such as electric cars or solar power generation, have helped limit the effects of increased coal and oil consumption. This is according to a report published today by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
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Emissions from coal rose by 1.6 percent last year as many countries turned to the fuel, which is considered one of the most polluting, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent reduction in Russian gas supplies to Europe. Oil emissions rose 2.5 percent, but remained below pre-Covid-19 levels. About half of the increase in oil-related emissions was due to an increase in air travel, which has recovered from a low during the pandemic.
Lower electricity production from nuclear power plants and extreme weather events, including heat waves, also contributed to the increase in energy-related emissions. Total emissions were partly offset by the increase in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, energy efficiency measures and also electric cars. Thanks to this, it was possible to prevent another 550 million tons of emissions.
According to scientists, it will be necessary to significantly reduce emissions in the coming years, mainly those coming from the burning of fossil fuels, if the goals for limiting global temperature growth are to be met and if is to prevent uncontrollable climate change.
“We continue to see emissions from fossil fuels increase, hindering efforts to meet the world's climate goals,” said IEA Director General Fatih Birol.
< p>The news comes just weeks after major fossil fuel producers such as Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell reported record profits. BP has also backed away from plans to cut oil and gas production and cut emissions, Reuters reported.
“International and multinational fossil fuel producers are making record sales. They also need to take their share of responsibility,” Birol said.< /p>
