Carbon emissions related to global energy rose to their highest level yet in 2021.
A new report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) said global CO2 emissions from energy combustion and from industrial processes jumped in 2021 to reach the highest-ever annual level.
The year saw a six percent increase from the year prior to 36.3 gigatonnes.
The Covid pandemic had many implications, including on the energy sector and on energy demand. In 2020, global CO2 emissions were reduced by 5.2 percent. But as the economy recovery has rapidly grown since then, so too has the demand of energy. The rapid economic recovery was driven by unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus, as well as a quick roll-out of vaccinations that got people back to work.
But 2021 also had adverse weather, leading to more coal being burnt despite renewable power generation being registered at its largest ever growth for the year.
The rise in natural gas prices while energy demand is surging has meant an increased reliance on coal. Coal represented a nearly half of carbon dioxide emissions at 40 percent. Emissions caused from natural gas rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
IEA said in a statement that the numbers make it clear that the economic recovery seen around the world after Covid has not been a sustainable recovery. The report calls for countries to ensure that the global rebound in emissions was a one-off in 2021, and that it does not mark continued accelerated CO2 emissions. The report calls fro an energy transition that will contribute to global energy security, which will overall lower energy prices for consumers as well as help to save the planet.
China was responsible for the bulk of emissions in both 2020 and 2021.
Emissions in the United States were four percent below what they were before the pandemic.
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