Global CO2 Emissions Reach Record High in 2024 While EU Leads in Emission Reductions
By
saubeidl
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Summary
Global CO2 emissions reached a record high of 53.2 gigatonnes in 2024, representing a 1.3% increase from the previous year. However, the European Union achieved a significant reduction of 1.8% in greenhouse gas emissions, while emissions from China and the US remained relatively stable. Despite the overall increase, all major emitters reduced their emissions per unit of GDP, indicating some progress in emission efficiency.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledHuman activities worldwide in 2024 sent a record 53.2 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) emissions to the atmosphere
It is a 1.3% rise compared to the previous year (665Mt CO2eq - roughly the amount emitted by Germany in 2024)
The EU's GHG emissions, excluding LULUCF, shrank by 1.8%, that is by close to 60 Mt CO2 eq
GHG emissions from China and the US remained relatively stable
Despite the increase in absolute terms, all major emitters reduced their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) per unit of GDP
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