CO2 Emissions in 2022 Report

According to the CO2 Emissions in 2022 Report by the International Energy Agency released on March 2, 2023, global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by less than 1% in 2022. This is despite many countries shifting from natural gas to coal as an energy source. This was due to the increased use of clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, EVs, heat pumps, and energy efficiency, which helped to limit the impacts of coal and oil use amid the global energy crisis.

Highlights of the report

The report highlights that this rise in emissions was significantly lower than the exceptional increase of over six per cent in 2021. It recommended stronger steps to accelerate the clean energy transition to achieve energy and climate goals.

Emissions by the EU, US and China

According to the report, emissions in China decreased in 2022 due to the COVID lockdown. In the European Union, emissions decreased by 2.5%. This was because, with Russia invading Ukraine, many countries stopped importing gas and oil from Russia and moved towards clean energy. In the US, emissions increased by 0.8%.

Emissions by fuel

The Carbon emissions from the fuel coal increased by 1.6%. The emissions from oil increased by 2.5%. The aviation sector was the major polluter in this fuel category.

Report on the energy sector

In the energy sector, the major emissions came from electricity generators, particularly coal-based electricity generators. Solar energy and wind energy power plants increased throughout the world.

Other Key findings of the Report

• The emissions from the global industries decreased. The main reason behind the reduction was a 10% decrease in cement production and a 2% decrease in steel production
• The overall price of energy increased, fuel trade was disrupted, and inflation hit peaks. For these reasons, the overall emissions decreased
• Emissions due to natural gas decreased by 1.6%
• Though there was significant growth in renewable energy, the power sector was the major contributor to the emissions.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: Reports & Indexes Current Affairs