Global fossil fuel emissions reach record high in 2024

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach record highs in 2024, with no clear sign that emissions have peaked, according to the latest Global Carbon Budget report. Despite some declines in emissions from land-use changes and efforts to reduce coal usage in regions like the U.S. and EU, increased emissions in China and India, combined with continued fossil fuel use, are driving the upward trend. In the U.S., both natural gas production and consumption are expected to hit record levels in 2025, along with record power demand fueled by sectors such as data centers, AI, and electrification. Although the share of renewables in U.S. power generation is forecast to increase, fossil fuels will remain a significant part of the energy mix, and overall carbon dioxide emissions from these sources are expected to rise in the near term before easing slightly. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by international climate negotiators and the difficulty of achieving net zero emissions while global energy demand continues to grow. The persistence of high fossil fuel emissions underscores the urgent need for accelerated action to curb climate change impacts.