Global CO₂ emissions related to energy 1975-2022

Global energy and industrial process-related carbon dioxide emissions totaled 36.3 billion metric tons in 2021. This figure represents an increase of about six percent compared to the previous year, which saw carbon dioxide emissions fall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impacts of COVID-19 on the energy sector

The dramatic reduction in emissions in 2020 was caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the strict lockdowns and restrictions imposed worldwide. The energy sector was hit hard due to these restrictions as energy demand plummeted. This led to considerable emissions reductions from transportation and power generation. Coal - the most polluting of fossil fuels – saw its use in power production decline around the world. This was most noticeable in the U.S. and EU-27.

Atmospheric emissions

Despite the sizeable drop in emissions observed in 2020, the global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide reached a record-breaking high that year, at 414 parts per million. This is roughly 50 percent above pre-industrial levels. There have been calls for a green recovery post-COVID-19 to continue reducing emissions. One of the biggest polluters – the U.S. – has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and will be investing billions of dollars on initiatives to fight climate change.