CO2 emissions from the energy sector rose sharply in 2021, according to the IEA

CO emissions₂ of the energy sector increased once more last year, due to the global economic rebound and increased use of coal, announced on Tuesday, March 8, the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Energy, the leading sector producing greenhouse gases, saw its emissions increase by 6% in 2021, for a total of 36.3 gigatonnes (Gt), their “highest level ever reached”, says the IEA. CO emissions₂ from energy had fallen in an unprecedented way between 2020 and 2021 (− 5.2%), under the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Coal responsible for 40% of this growth

This volume of emissions, which exceeds the previous record (2019), was also largely fueled by weather conditions, as well as the boom in gas prices, which pushed many countries to turn to coal. despite unprecedented growth in renewable energy capacity.

Coal is responsible for 40% of this growth, with a level of 15.3 Gt of CO₂. Gas also exceeded the 2019 level, at 7.5 Gt. Oil, on the other hand, is at 10.7 Gt, below pre-pandemic levels, as transport – and in particular aviation – has not yet completely taken back.

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The World with AFP