Global carbon emissions highest on record in 2021

Burning of coal to fuel economic recovery led to 6pc increase in emissions from 2020

Annual global CO₂ emissions from energy combustion and industrial processes reached their highest-ever level in 2021, according to the IEA. A 6pc increase from 2020 pushed emissions to 36.3Gt as economies recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic. Coal accounted for over 40pc of the overall growth in global CO₂ emissions in 2021. Emissions from the fuel reached an all-time high of 15.3Gt despite agreements to reduce its use. CO₂ emissions from natural gas also rebounded well above 2019 levels, to 7.5Gt, as demand increased in all sectors. The energy demand recovery last year was compounded by adverse weather and energy market conditions, which led to more coal being burned. High demand for gas ra