Global Energy-related CO2 Emissions Remained Flat From 2014-2016 Amidst Global Economic Expansion

Progress is possible. While there's still plenty of reason to ring the alarm, we are starting to get a handle on global carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency found that global energy-related CO2 emissions remained flat for the third year in a row in 2016. A reduction is needed, but flatlining the growth in spite of global economic expansion is a start.

Recent reports found that global-energy related CO2 emissions in OECD member countries are on pace to decline roughly 0.2% per year through 2050. However, non-OECD countries will offset any gains. Combined, EIA’s International Energy Outlook 2019 projects that global energy-related CO2 emissions will grow 0.6% per year from 2018 to 2050.

The issue is that countries outside of the OECD collectively have more population, a larger gross domestic product, more energy consumption, and higher energy-related CO2 emissions compared to those in the OECD. As non-OECD countries continue to grow, so does their demand for energy.

As the largest emitter of energy-related CO2 emissions among OECD members, the United States must do its part to lower emissions. That means using less energy overall and when we do, using smart, renewable energy. The world can ensure a cleaner energy future as long as the United States leads the way.

Read the full report: https://webstore.iea.org/market-report-series-energy-efficiency-2017-pdf