The world's burning of fossil fuels is set to release more planet-warming carbon dioxide than ever before this year, according to new figures. This trend indicates that global efforts to curb emissions are moving far too slowly to meet international climate targets, as countries gather in Brazil for UN climate talks COP30.
Despite this concerning data, emissions have increased at a much slower rate in the past decade, largely due to the rapid uptake of renewable energy, which provides hope that the warming trend can still be curbed.
Analysis from the clean energy think tank Ember suggests that fossil fuel use in electricity generation has plateaued in 2025, primarily fueled by the booming growth of solar power.
Some forecasts indicate that total global emissions from all human activities could reach approximately 42.2 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2025, showing a slight decrease from 42.4 billion tonnes in 2024. However, emissions from fossil fuels and cement are expected to climb to 38.1 billion tonnes, equating to a 1.1% increase from 2024.
The report highlights a mixed picture: while emissions from changing land-use, such as deforestation, are anticipated to drop, carbon emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise. Remarkably, though, 35 countries have successfully reduced their fossil fuel emissions without harming economic growth, which is nearly double the number from the last decade.
This shift towards lower emissions is attributed to the robust expansion of renewable energies, especially solar, which has reached unprecedented growth rates and now meets increased electricity demand.
Experts believe the power sector's performance is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it is the largest emitting sector. Consequently, the plateauing of emissions from fossil fuel electricity generation is a positive indicator of future progress.
While the overall emissions situation remains complex and uncertain, today’s findings suggest we may be approaching a peak, which would mark a significant triumph in the global efforts against climate change.");
Despite this concerning data, emissions have increased at a much slower rate in the past decade, largely due to the rapid uptake of renewable energy, which provides hope that the warming trend can still be curbed.
Analysis from the clean energy think tank Ember suggests that fossil fuel use in electricity generation has plateaued in 2025, primarily fueled by the booming growth of solar power.
Some forecasts indicate that total global emissions from all human activities could reach approximately 42.2 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2025, showing a slight decrease from 42.4 billion tonnes in 2024. However, emissions from fossil fuels and cement are expected to climb to 38.1 billion tonnes, equating to a 1.1% increase from 2024.
The report highlights a mixed picture: while emissions from changing land-use, such as deforestation, are anticipated to drop, carbon emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise. Remarkably, though, 35 countries have successfully reduced their fossil fuel emissions without harming economic growth, which is nearly double the number from the last decade.
This shift towards lower emissions is attributed to the robust expansion of renewable energies, especially solar, which has reached unprecedented growth rates and now meets increased electricity demand.
Experts believe the power sector's performance is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it is the largest emitting sector. Consequently, the plateauing of emissions from fossil fuel electricity generation is a positive indicator of future progress.
While the overall emissions situation remains complex and uncertain, today’s findings suggest we may be approaching a peak, which would mark a significant triumph in the global efforts against climate change.");
