In brief
In 2024, over 40% of global electricity was generated from non-fossil fuel sources. However, a surge in demand and extreme weather has led to record-high carbon dioxide emissions.
The report by Ember, a global energy think tank, indicates that for the first time since the 1940s, clean energy sources accounted for more than 40% of electricity generation worldwide. This milestone was significantly fueled by solar energy, which has seen its output double every three years, with China being the primary contributor to this growth. Despite the increasing share of renewables, carbon dioxide emissions have also risen to an unprecedented level, reaching 14.6 billion tonnes, spurred by heightened demand for electricity primarily linked to warmer weather conditions. Solar power remains at the forefront of renewable sources, yet it still only constitutes about 7% of the global energy mix, demonstrating the extensive reliance on fossil fuels. Wind and hydropower contribute to the clean energy landscape but are growing at a slower rate. The report underscores that while clean energy's percentage is increasing, the total emissions from fossil fuel burning are pushing higher due to a 4% rise in global electricity demand in 2024. Countries like India and China maintain their use of fossil fuels to meet energy needs, casting doubt on the immediate prospects for a decline in greenhouse gas emissions. The juxtaposition of clean energy's growth trajectory and the simultaneous rise in emissions highlights the complexity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for significant changes in energy consumption patterns. This underscores the critical challenge of balancing renewable energy expansion with global electricity demands driven by climate change-induced weather patterns.
