Global CO2 emissions projected to reach record high in 2024

Global carbon dioxide emissions are projected to reach a record high of 41.6 billion metric tonnes in 2024, according to a report released at the COP29 climate summit. This marks an increase from 40.6 billion tonnes in 2023. The rise in emissions is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, which is expected to contribute 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, a 0.8% increase from the previous year. Additional emissions come from land use, including deforestation and forest fires. The report, led by the University of Exeter, highlights the challenges in meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.