IEA – CO2 Emissions in 2023

In 2023, global energy-related CO2 emissions rose by 1.1%, totaling 37.4 billion tonnes, with coal contributing to over 65% of the increase. The shortfall in hydropower generation due to droughts led to a surge in emissions by around 170 Mt. Despite a 1.7% growth in advanced economy GDP, emissions declined by 4.5%, reaching levels from fifty years ago. Advanced economy coal demand returned to levels from around 1900. China saw the largest increase in emissions, growing by 565 Mt, while continuing to lead in global clean energy additions. In India, strong GDP growth drove a rise in emissions, influenced by a weak monsoon decreasing hydro production. Per capita emissions in China are now 15% higher than in advanced economies, while in India, they remain below the world average. With the deployment of clean energy technologies, emissions growth has been curbed, with the slowest rate of increase since the Great Depression.