Global energy CO2 emissions hit new record in 2024

Total energy-related CO2-equivalent emissions reached 40.8 gigatonnes, surpassing all previous records, the report said.

Global energy demand increased by 2%, also reaching an all-time high last year.

The year 2024 also marked the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold for warming for the first time.

Every major energy source — including coal, oil, gas, renewables, hydro, and nuclear — hit record levels of use.

Electricity demand grew by 4%, outpacing overall energy consumption growth, signaling a world steadily leaning into the age of electricity, the report said.

Wind and solar power also expanded by 16%, nine times faster than overall energy demand, but not enough to tip the balance, the report stated.

Instead of declining, fossil fuel use also grew by just over 1%, the report showed.

Renewable energy demand hit a record high, despite not being able to counterbalance rising demand.

Instead, renewables added to the total energy mix rather than replacing existing sources.