Despite global efforts, global CO₂ emissions from burning fossil fuels climbed yet again in 2023, urgently needing a drop to avert the worst consequences of the climate crisis. According to a report from the Global Carbon Project, worldwide emissions are projected to hit an staggering 36.8 billion tons, a 1.1% increase from the previous year.
Emissions are decreasing in some areas, such as the EU (-7.4%) and the USA (-3%), but globally, they're still on the rise. Projections suggest a 1.1% rise in emissions this year compared to the last.
In contrast, China's annual emissions are climbing by 4%, even as the country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Interestingly, India is also emitting more greenhouse gases – over 8% more, primarily due to its heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants to meet its escalating demand for electricity. As a result, India now emits more CO₂ than the EU for the first time.
Professor Corinne Le Quéré, a researcher from the University of East Anglia, stated, "Global emissions at current levels are leading to a rapid increase in CO₂ concentrations in our atmosphere, resulting in further climate change and ever more severe and increasing impacts." Nations must accelerate their transition to more environmentally friendly economies to avoid climate change effects.
The researchers concluded that emissions from land use (such as deforestation) are expected to decrease slightly, but are still excessive. The new forests being planted will not be able to offset the deforestation and clearing of other forest areas.
According to Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, the study's leader, "The effects of climate change are evident all around us, but the pace of reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels remains painfully slow." Now, it appears inevitable that we'll exceed the 1.5°C target established by the Paris Agreement. Global leaders attending COP28 are urged to prescribe significant reductions in fossil fuel emissions to uphold even the 2°C target.
Regardless of the region, transitioning to a more sustainable and climate-friendly economy is crucial to curb the rising emissions and the detrimental impact of climate change.
