World’s CO2 emissions reached a record high; IEA reports 37.4 billion tons in 2023.
According to the report by International Energy Agency(IEA), the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions reached a record high of 37.4 billion tons in 2023, an increased of 1.1% (410 million tons) from 2022. The operation of thermal power generation increased due to the drop in the operation rate of hydroelectric power generation in China and the US following the drought. However, the growth rate decreased due to the increase in emissions to 1.3%(490 million tons) in 2022 from 2021.
While CO2 emissions increased worldwide, they tend to decrease in developed countries. The report explains that the amount of wind power generation surpassed gas and coal-fired thermal power for the first time in 2023 in EU.
The CO2 emissions decreased by 9% (220 million tons) from 2022 resulting from
the introduction of renewable energy and steady operation of hydroelectric power and nuclear power generation. On the other hand, emissions in China increased by 15% (565 million tons)in 2023 from 2022. It was pointed out that this is the highest growth rate in the world, and emissions are continuing to increase along with economic growth. The report explains that although the development of renewable energy is progressing in China, the high growth rate was caused by the decrease in the operation of hydroelectric power generation due to drought.