Preliminary research from the Global Carbon Project reveals that planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from oil, gas, and coal hit a record high in 2024, marking a setback in global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
The findings, released during UN climate talks in Azerbaijan, underscore the challenge of meeting the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels.
According to the research, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels rose 0.8% in 2024 to a staggering 37.4 billion tonnes. While renewable energy sources and electric vehicles are helping offset fossil fuel use, growth in emissions from gas and oil is outpacing these gains.
China, responsible for nearly one-third of global emissions, saw a slight increase in CO2 emissions this year due to coal and gas. Emissions from India and international aviation also contributed to the global rise, though emissions reportedly declined in the EU and the US.
Researchers say that at current emission rates, the world has just six years to remain within the “carbon budget” necessary for a 50% chance of achieving the 1.5°C target. To meet this goal, net-zero emissions would need to be reached by the late 2030s—sooner than most countries currently plan.
