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Global Carbon Emissions Rise Again in 2024
Global carbon emissions rise again in 2024 despite urgent calls for reductions, raising concerns about meeting climate goals. Developing nations show significant increases, while developed nations see some decreases.
English
United States
Climate ChangeScienceEnergy SecurityEnvironmentEnergyClimateEmissions
Global Carbon ProjectUnited NationsUniversity Of ExeterPowershift AfricaUniversity Of Pennsylvania
Stephen SitchMike O'sullivanMohamed AdowMichael Mann
- What was the overall change in global carbon emissions in 2024?
- Global carbon emissions increased by 0.8 percent in 2024, reaching 37.4 billion metric tons of CO2. This is 300 million metric tons more than in 2023, and shows no sign of peaking despite urgent calls for reductions.
- How did the largest carbon emitters fare in terms of emissions changes in 2024?
- China's emissions rose slightly (0.2 percent), while India's jumped significantly (4.6 percent). In contrast, the US and EU saw emissions decrease by 0.6 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.
- What is the overall assessment of the current situation and prospects for meeting climate goals?
- While total emissions, including land use changes, are relatively flat due to declining land emissions, this is still considered insufficient to meet climate goals. The continued reliance on fossil fuels remains a major obstacle, and there's growing concern over the lack of progress despite alarming scientific evidence.
- What solutions or strategies are scientists suggesting to address the growing emissions problem?
- Scientists emphasize the need for drastically increased ambition in reducing emissions and suggest thinking outside the box, moving away from dependence on fossil fuels. They also highlight the historical responsibility of developed nations like the US, which accounts for 21% of global emissions since 1950.
- What are the implications of the continued rise in global carbon emissions for climate change goals?
- The continued rise in emissions, particularly from developing nations like India and China, poses a significant challenge to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The world is currently at 1.3 degrees and has only about six years left at the current rate before exceeding 1.5 degrees.