The IEA warns that CO2 emissions will increase by 5% because of economic recovery

On April 20, the International Energy Agency said that global CO2 emissions from electricity use will increase by nearly 5% this year. This suggests that an economic recovery from Covid-19 could bring many benefits, except for climate sustainability.

An image of polluted air was taken on February 13, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters. On April 20, the International Energy Agency said that global CO2 emissions from electricity use will increase by nearly 5% this year. This suggests that an economic recovery from Covid-19 could bring many benefits, except for climate sustainability. The IEA’s 2021 Global Energy Assessment predicts that carbon dioxide emissions will rise to 33 billion tons this year, 1.5 billion tons higher than in 2020, the highest increase in more than a decade. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said this year’s increase in emissions this year could be increased by the recovery of coal use in the power sector, which is forecast to be particularly strong in Asia. It will also put pressure on governments to take action on climate change. US President Joe Biden will hold an online summit involving dozens of world leaders this week to discuss climate change ahead of global negotiations in Scotland at the end. this year. Last year, as electricity usage fell due to the Covid-19 pandemic, energy-related CO2 emissions fell 5.8% to 31.5 billion tons, after reaching a peak in 2019 of 33, 4 billion tons. The IEA’s annual review analyzed the latest country data from around the world, economic growth trends and new energy projects. Global energy demand is expected to grow 4.6 percent by 2021, led by developing economies, pushing it above 2019 levels, the report says. Demand for fossil fuels is on the rise in 2021, with both coal and gas rising above 2019 levels. IEA said more than 80% of its forecast for coal demand growth by 2021 will come from Asia, led by China. Coal use in the US and the European Union is also on the rise but will remain below pre-crisis levels.