Record High Global CO2 Emissions in 2023

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reached a record high in 2023, driven partly by increased fossil fuel use in regions affected by droughts that hampered hydropower production. Despite efforts to expand clean technology like wind, solar, and electric vehicles, emissions rose by 1.1%, totaling 37.4 billion tonnes.

Extreme droughts led to a 40% rise in emissions from attempts to replace lost hydropower generation. However, without this effect, emissions from the global electricity sector would have decreased. While the United States saw a 4.1% decrease in energy-related emissions, the European Union experienced nearly a 9% reduction, driven by increased renewable power generation. Conversely, China’s emissions rose by 5.2%, although the country also led in global additions of solar, wind power, and electric vehicles in 2023.