Global CO2 Emissions Flatline Despite Economic Growth

Global carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector remained steady in 2019 compared to the previous year, according to data published by the International Energy Agency. The total emissions stood at 33 billion tonnes of CO2, despite a 2.9% growth in the global economy.

The EU saw a significant decline in emissions, with a reduction of 160 million tonnes or 5% compared to 2018. This was largely due to a shift towards natural gas for electricity generation, which produces half the emissions of coal-fired power plants.

The United States also recorded a notable decrease in emissions, bringing its total down by approximately one billion tonnes from the peak reached in 2000. However, developing countries saw an increase in emissions.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol commented on the data, stating that 'we now need to work hard to make sure 2019 is remembered as the year when global emissions peaked, not merely as a pause in growth.'