Global CO2 Emissions Rise in 2024: A Climate Warning

The world carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are expected to rise by 0.8% in 2024 compared to last year. Though this is lower when compared to the projected 1.2% increase in 2023 and 2% in 2022, the endless positive growth is still a menace to climate goals. The main reason for this remains the continuing use of fossil fuel and burning in the sectors such as energy, industrial and transportation, which are well known emitters of greenhouse gases.

The present Fossil CO2 emissions in the year 2023: Top four highest emitters were China (31%), USA (13%), India (8 %) and for EU-27, it was 7%. More importantly, the EU-27 is expected to deliver its reductions by year-end 2024 due to its member states’ strict environmental policies. However, the Chinese emissions should be expected to be only slightly higher in the future as China continues to industrialize and remains extensively dependent on coal.

Analysts have projected that India is set to emit 4.6% more CO2 in 2024 mainly because of increasing use of coal, oil and natural gases, which are essential commodities in fulfilling India’s energy and economic requirements. However, at 2.3 tonnes per head it is still considerably behind the 8 tonnes for China and the US, for example. This again brings out the inequality of personal contribution to emissions among nations with different levels of development.

Most recommend the need to embrace sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, increase energy efficiency and use of carbon capture technologies in efforts to reduce enhanced emissions. If no proper measures are taken in time, global warming may pass through the limit of average temperature above 1.5°C mentioned in the Paris Agreement, which in turn causes more frequent natural disasters, continued rise of sea level, and more critically, loss of species that are found difficult to restore.

 

Relevance for Exams:

• Prelims: Large emitters, the goal of Paris Agreement, renewable energy.

• Mains GS3: Difficulties and obstacles to realizing climate targets, India’s energy objectives and prospects for growth.

This increase in CO2 emissions provides a clear signal for countries to redouble their green energy transition and increasing cooperation in the face of global climate change.