CO2 Emissions in 2022 Report
According to the CO2 Emissions in 2022 Report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) released on March 2, 2023, global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by less than 1% in 2022. This was due to the increased use of clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and energy efficiency, which helped to limit the impacts of coal and oil use amid the global energy crisis.
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The IEA Report
The report highlights that this rise in emissions was significantly lower than the exceptional increase of over six per cent in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting global economic slowdown played a role in reducing energy demand and, consequently, emissions. However, the report also notes that clean energy technologies played a more significant role in limiting emissions than the pandemic.
Increased Use of Clean Energy Technologies
The IEA report highlights that the increased use of clean energy technologies such as solar and wind power, EVs, and heat pumps helped to reduce emissions. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, accounted for more than 60% of the new electricity generation capacity added globally in 2022. The increased use of EVs also contributed to reducing emissions, with global EV sales growing by more than 50% in 2022.
Energy Efficiency
The report also notes that energy efficiency measures played a significant role in limiting emissions. Buildings, which account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and emissions, saw an increased use of energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, insulation, and smart heating systems. The transportation sector also saw increased energy efficiency, with the use of fuel-efficient vehicles and better public transport systems.