(VOVWORLD) - Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose by 6% in 2021 to 36.3 billion tons, their highest ever level, as the world economy rebounded strongly from the COVID-19 crisis and relied heavily on coal to power that growth.
According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency, coal accounted for over 40% of the overall growth in global CO2 emissions in 2021, reaching an all-time high of 15.3 billion tons. CO2 emissions from natural gas rebounded well above their 2019 levels to 7.5 billion tons.
The recovery of energy demand in 2021 was compounded by adverse weather and energy market conditions – notably the spikes in natural gas prices – led to more coal being burned.
The IEA is calling on countries to ensure that the global rebound in emissions in 2021 was a one-off and that an accelerated energy transition contributes to global energy security and lower energy prices for consumers.