Global CO2 emissions in 2022 rose less than feared, increasing by under 1%. The growth of clean energy sources like solar, wind, and electric vehicles played a vital role in offsetting the impact of increased coal and oil use amid the global energy crisis.
While emissions are still on an unsustainable trajectory, the slower growth rate is a positive sign. Coal emissions grew by 1.6%, but this was much lower than in 2021, while natural gas emissions declined by 1.6%. The report underscores the importance of accelerating the clean energy transition to meet climate goals while acknowledging the critical role renewables have played in limiting emissions.
