Summary: The latest Global Carbon Budget report reveals that worldwide carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have reached an unprecedented high of 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024. The research, published in Earth System Science Data, shows total CO2 emissions, including land-use changes, have risen to 41.6 billion tonnes, highlighting the growing urgency of climate action.
Journal: Earth System Science Data, November 13, 2024 | Reading time: 4 minutes
Breaking New Records
As world leaders gather for COP29, new research brings sobering news about our planet’s climate trajectory. The Global Carbon Project’s latest analysis shows fossil fuel emissions have increased by 0.8% from 2023, with no indication that we’ve reached peak emissions.
“The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly dramatic, yet we still see no sign that burning of fossil fuels has peaked,” notes Professor Pierre Friedlingstein of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, who led the study. “Time is running out to meet the Paris Agreement goals.”
A Complex Picture
The research reveals varying trends across different fossil fuels and regions. Coal, oil, and gas emissions are all projected to increase in 2024, by 0.2%, 0.9%, and 2.4% respectively. While some nations show progress, others continue to see rising emissions.
China, responsible for 32% of global emissions, shows a marginal 0.2% increase. The United States (13% of emissions) projects a 0.6% decrease, while India (8%) expects a 4.6% increase. The European Union (7%) shows the most significant reduction at 3.8%.
Race Against Time
The implications are stark: at current emission rates, there’s a 50% chance global warming will exceed 1.5°C consistently in about six years. Despite some positive developments, such as growing adoption of renewables and electric cars, the overall trajectory remains concerning.
Professor Corinne Le Quéré of UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences observes that “despite another rise in global emissions this year, the latest data shows evidence of widespread climate action, with the growing penetration of renewables and electric cars displacing fossil fuels.”
Glossary:
- Carbon Budget: The amount of carbon dioxide we can emit while limiting warming to specific temperatures
- Land-use change: Changes in how land is used, such as deforestation
- Carbon sink: Natural systems that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- El Niño: A climate pattern that can affect global weather and carbon absorption
Quiz:
- What are total global CO2 emissions projected to be in 2024?
Answer: 41.6 billion tonnes - What percentage of global emissions does China account for?
Answer: 32% - How many years until we likely exceed 1.5°C of warming consistently?
Answer: About six years - By what percentage are European Union emissions projected to decrease?
Answer: 3.8%
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