In 2023, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from energy use reached their highest levels on record, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Emissions rose by 1.1% from the previous year, marking a slower increase compared to the 1.3% growth observed in 2022, but nonetheless setting a new record.
The IEA analysis highlights significant factors contributing to this upward trend, indicating a complex picture of energy-related emissions worldwide. Here I take a quick look at some of the key factors that led to these results.
Sharp rise in global CO2 emissions
Global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 410 million tonnes year-on-year in 2023, reaching a staggering 37.4 billion tonnes. This record-breaking figure underscores the persistent challenges in reducing emissions despite ongoing global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The IEA’s data suggests that 70% of the increase in emissions was driven by higher coal consumption, which contributed an additional 270 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge in coal-related emissions was particularly evident in China and India.
China accounted for the most significant actual increase in energy-related CO2 emissions, with an additional 565 million tonnes, representing a 4.7% rise. The IEA attributes this growth to the country’s economy reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and adverse conditions limiting hydropower generation, leading to a greater reliance on coal. This spike in emissions from China underscores the country’s role as a major contributor to global CO2 emissions.
The IEA’s report also points to weather-related factors that influenced global emissions in 2023. Milder weather helped reduce global emissions by approximately 120 million tonnes, as a decrease in heating demand offset a slight increase in cooling demand. However, severe droughts in several regions contributed to a record decline in global hydropower production, ultimately leading to an additional 170 million tonnes of CO2 from power generation.
Advanced economies provide some good news
Despite these concerning trends, the report includes some positive developments. Energy-related CO2 emissions in advanced economies fell by 520 million tonnes, or 4.5%, in 2023. This reduction was driven by a combination of factors, including increased use of renewables, coal-to-gas switching in the United States, lower industrial production, and warmer weather. The United States saw a decrease of 190 million tonnes, or 4.1%, while the European Union recorded a significant drop of 220 million tonnes, or 9%.
The IEA also notes that advanced economy GDP grew by 1.7% during this period, indicating that emissions reductions did not come at the cost of economic growth. This reduction represents the largest percentage decrease in emissions among advanced economies outside of a recessionary period.
Half of all electricity generation in advanced economies came from renewables and nuclear energy for the first time in 2023, signaling a positive shift toward cleaner energy sources. The contribution of coal to electricity generation fell to an all-time low of 17%, reflecting a broader trend toward decarbonization.
In a companion report, the IEA noted that the rise in emissions over 2019-2023 would have been three times higher without the increased deployment of “key clean energy technologies.” These include solar, wind, and nuclear power, heat pumps, and electric cars, which played a crucial role in mitigating the growth of CO2 emissions.
Overall, the IEA’s report confirms that while there are significant challenges in reducing CO2 emissions, there are also promising trends and opportunities for further progress. Continued efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and adopt innovative technologies will be crucial in the fight against climate change.
