Global Carbon Emissions Hit New
Record Despite Green Energy Push
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The 2023 Statistical Review of World Energy
revealed that fossil fuels account for 82% of the world's primary
energy consumption, and
CO2 emissions from energy rose by 0.9% in 2022.
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Although emissions from OECD countries have been
declining, non-OECD nations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region,
are seeing a sharp rise due to economic growth and increased energy
consumption.
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Addressing global emissions requires
collaboration with Asia's fast-growing nations, innovative
technologies to bypass traditional fossil fuel dependence, and
strategies to balance economic growth with environmental
responsibility.
![](images/images_08_08_2023/pic8.jpg)
For the past 70 years, BP has annually published
the Statistical Review of World Energy. Having been a trusted resource
for the wider energy sector since its inaugural release in April 1952,
the Statistical Review has been instrumental in providing
comprehensive data on global oil, gas, and coal production and
consumption.
According to a company spokesperson, BP decided to transfer the
publication of the report to the Energy Institute (EI) to allow Chief
Economist Spencer Dale’s team to prioritize Chief Executive Bernard
Looney’s initiatives in transitioning the oil and gas company towards
renewables and low-carbon energy, thereby freeing up time and
resources.
In late June, the EI published its inaugural version of the report,
which is the 72nd Edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy.
The full report and all data can be found at this link. Today, I will
cover the report’s findings on carbon emissions.
Record High Carbon Emissions
The 2023 Review shows the world remains heavily reliant on fossil
fuels for energy needs, even as renewables like solar and wind
continue rapid growth.
While renewable power expanded at record rates, fossil fuels
maintained an 82% share of total primary energy consumption. Natural
gas and coal demand stayed nearly flat with oil rebounding close to
pre-pandemic levels.
A year ago, I reported that carbon dioxide emissions had experienced
“the fastest growth rate in nearly 50 years.” I further noted
“Emissions were only 0.8% short of the all-time high set in 2018. They
are on a trajectory to reach a new all-time high in 2022 unless a
recession curbs global energy demand in the second half of the year.”
That happened, as carbon dioxide emissions from energy rose 0.9% in
2022 to a new high of 34.4 billion metric tons, indicating lack of
progress in curbing worldwide carbon output. Emissions have moved
further away from the reductions called for in the Paris Agreement.
![](images/images_08_08_2023/pic9.jpg)
Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions 1965 through
2022. ROBERT RAPIER
“Despite further strong growth in wind and solar
in the power sector, overall global energy-related greenhouse gas
emissions increased again,” said EI President Juliet Davenport. “We
are still heading in the opposite direction to that required by the
Paris Agreement.”
Asia Driving Emissions
With most of the world seemingly committed to reducing carbon
emissions, why do they keep increasing?
The problem is that a massive emissions gap exists between developed
and developing nations. The 38 mainly high-income OECD member
countries have seen declining carbon dioxide outputs for 15 years.
Their emissions now match levels from 35 years ago.
Meanwhile, developing countries continue rapidly increasing fossil
fuel use and carbon pollution as economies expand. The Asia Pacific
region, in particular, has seen explosive growth in carbon emissions
over the past 50+ years.
![](images/images_08_08_2023/pic10.jpg)
Regional Carbon Dioxide Emissions 1965 through
2022. ROBERT RAPIER
Developing non-OECD nations have seen explosive growth in carbon
emissions for two key reasons.
First, they are going through a coal-dependent development phase
similar to OECD countries’ histories, before more awareness of climate
impacts. Second, billions of people in populous developing countries
are raising their living standards and energy consumption.
Thus, while per capita fossil fuel use lags developed nations, the
aggregate emissions impact of billions of people slowly increasing
consumption drives the bulk of rising global carbon dioxide output.
China, for example, now emits more than double the carbon dioxide of
the U.S., even though per capita emissions are half those of the U.S.
![](images/images_08_08_2023/pic11.jpg)
Top 10 Carbon Dioxide Emitters. ROBERT RAPIER
This poses a monumental challenge for emissions
control when 60% of the world’s population resides in fast-growing
Asia-Pacific countries. Curbing worldwide carbon pollution will
require developing nations to leapfrog the fossil fuel dependence that
plagued OECD development. But that isn’t happening.
A Monumental Challenge
When people question why global carbon emissions won’t fall despite
climate warnings, the data reveals a sobering reality. The emissions
explosion in Asia’s developing nations eclipses efforts elsewhere.
It’s not only mammoth emitters like China and India. Multiple
countries across the Asia-Pacific region are increasing emissions
while pursuing rapid economic growth. Although the U.S. holds the
title of most cumulative carbon dioxide emissions, China is on course
to take that title within a decade. As a result, unilateral American
carbon cuts can’t move the global needle much without Asia’s
cooperation.
For half a century and counting, the emissions expansion in these
populous nations has propelled global carbon dioxide to new records
despite declines in developing countries. The world has little hope of
reining in emissions without reversing Asia’s steep growth curve.
This presents an imposing technological and diplomatic challenge. The
U.S. must take the lead in pioneering and sharing affordable
low-carbon technologies enabling developing nations to leapfrog the
traditional fossil fuel dependence. And urgent multilateral
cooperation is needed to chart an equitable, prosperous path without
dooming the climate. Taming the emissions beast requires Asia’s urgent
partnership.
By Robert Rapier
Green Play Ammonia™, Yielder® NFuel Energy.
Spokane, Washington. 99212
www.exactrix.com
509 995 1879 cell, Pacific.
Nathan1@greenplayammonia.com
exactrix@exactrix.com