IEA: Global carbon emissions hit a record high last year

　　Sinochem New Network News Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions hit a record high last year. Part of the increase in carbon emissions is due to a decline in hydropower generation due to a dry climate and an increase in the use of fossil fuels, according to the IEA analysis.

　　The IEA points out that achieving the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement will require significant global reductions in emissions, but the reality is that instead of falling sharply, emissions have rushed to record highs. Last year, global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 410 million tonnes, or 1.1 percent, to 37.4 billion tonnes. In 2022, the increase was 1.3%. The global rollout of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and electric vehicles has helped reduce emissions, but the post-pandemic reopening of economic activity in some countries and regions, increased use of fossil fuels in low-hydropower countries, and the recovery of the aviation industry have led to significant increases in emissions. About 40% of the increase in emissions is due to measures to compensate for the drought-induced decline in hydropower generation, and without this impact, emissions from the global power sector would have fallen last year.

　　Regionally, U.S. energy-related emissions fell by 4.1 percent, thanks to significant emissions reductions in the power sector. Energy-related emissions in the EU have fallen by almost 9%, with a rapid increase in renewable energy generation and a decline in coal and gas generation in the region. China's energy-related emissions increased by 5.2%, mainly due to the expansion of energy demand due to the resumption of economic activity after the pandemic. At the same time, China accounted for 60% of the world's increase in wind, solar and electric vehicles last year.

　　According to the IEA, global electric vehicle sales reached 14 million, accounting for 20% of global new car sales. This represents an increase of 35% compared to the previous year.