Global fossil fuel CO2 emissions have reached a record high in 2024

This year, emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to total 37.4 billion tonnes, increasing by 0.8% from 2023. Combined with land-use emissions, global CO2 emissions are projected at 41.6 billion tonnes.

Land-use change emissions, including deforestation, have risen this year, partly due to droughts worsened by El Niño. Over the last decade, fossil CO2 emissions have increased, while emissions from land-use changes had decreased until now. Both are rising again, contributing to global warming.

In 2024, emissions from coal, oil, and gas have grown, with gas emissions increasing the most at 2.4%. International aviation and shipping emissions are also up by 7.8%, though still below pre-pandemic levels. Notably, China remains the largest emitter, with a marginal increase in emissions, while the EU and US have slightly decreased theirs.

Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to reach 422.5 parts per million, the highest in recorded history. The study estimates that if emissions continue at this rate, the 1.5°C global warming threshold may be consistently breached within six years, highlighting the urgency of action to reduce fossil fuel reliance.