Summary of Global CO₂ Emissions in 2023

In 2023, global energy-related CO₂ emissions increased by 1.1 %, adding 410 million tonnes (Mt) and reaching a new all-time high of 37.4 billion tonnes (Gt). Despite the rise—lower than the 490 Mt increase in 2022—there were encouraging signs, as clean energy technologies played a significant role in limiting the growth of emissions.

A global shortage of hydropower due to drought added roughly 170 Mt to emissions. Without this impact, emissions from the global power sector would have actually declined. Progress in clean energy technologies—such as solar, wind, nuclear, heat pumps, and electric vehicles—meant emissions grew three times less than they otherwise would have. Over the decade leading to 2023, global emissions grew more slowly than at any time since the financial crisis, with an average annual increase of just over 0.5%.

In advanced economies, emissions fell by 4.5% despite a 1.7% rise in GDP—the largest recorded drop outside of a recession. A key factor was reduced coal consumption, which fell to levels last seen around the year 1900. In contrast, China’s emissions rose by approximately 565 Mt, the largest increase globally. Nonetheless, China remains the global leader in adding new clean energy capacity.

In India, rapid economic growth led to an increase of around 190 Mt in emissions. A weak monsoon season raised electricity demand and reduced hydropower generation, contributing to a quarter of the country’s total emissions increase.

A chart would show the average annual growth rate of global CO₂ emissions and GDP by decade, 1900–2023.

Europe saw a significant drop in CO₂ emissions, driven by a strong push for renewable energy and energy efficiency. The continent’s leadership in the energy transition was evident in record wind power capacity, which in 2023 surpassed generation from coal and natural gas. Energy efficiency gains and the expansion of renewables were key factors in reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering emissions.

Wind and solar capacity additions reached a record 540 GW in 2023, a 75 % increase over 2022, while electric vehicle sales grew by 35 %, reaching approximately 14 million units. Clean energy had a major impact in limiting global CO₂ emission growth, significantly influencing the global emissions trajectory.

Weather and the ongoing reopening of economies after COVID-19 played a notable role in emission trends. Hot weather increased cooling demand, while mild winters reduced heating needs—together, these effects lowered emissions by an estimated 120 Mt. The continued economic reopening, especially in China and global aviation, also contributed to rising emissions.

Despite new records in global CO₂ emissions, the growth rate has slowed thanks to the expanding deployment of cleaner technologies. Advanced economies have demonstrated that emissions can decline even amid economic growth. However, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement will require even stronger global efforts—especially in developing and fast-growing economies like China and India. These efforts must include continued investment in clean energy technologies, improvements in energy efficiency, and the development of innovative solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Source: International Energy Agency. “CO₂ Emissions in 2023.” Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/co2-emissions-in-2023