CO2 at Record Levels

Global carbon dioxide emissions from all human activities remain at record highs in 2022, and fossil fuel emissions have risen above pre-pandemic levels, according to a new analysis by an international body of scientists.

This year, the world is expected to emit 40.6 billion tons of CO2 from all human activities. This level of emissions is disastrous for the climate; at current rates, the planet has a 50% chance of exceeding the 1.5°C global average temperature rises in just nine years.

This year's increase in fossil emissions is due to increased oil and coal use, particularly oil, as the aviation industry recovers from the pandemic. Coal emissions have also increased because of higher natural gas prices and supply shortages. Unexpectedly, there is a chance that coal emissions this year will exceed the historical peak.

Another major source of global CO₂ emissions is land-use change, while land-use change emissions stay high, we have seen a slight decrease over the past 2 decades due to increased reforestation. However, worldwide deforestation rates are still high.

This year we have seen considerable progress in renewable energy deployment, policy development, and commitments from governments and corporations to new, more ambitious climate mitigation targets.

We must achieve net-zero CO2 emissions as soon as possible to keep global warming well below 2°C this century. However, humanity's massive emissions in 2022 highlight the monumental and urgent task ahead. With cold weather around the corner gas heating will be increasing as well. The use of clean energy resources like a microgeneration wind turbine can help offset fossil fuels use. Reach out to us for more information on how you can help reduce carbon emissions!