Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Global Emissions)
Source: Nature, Climate Analytics, IEA Global Energy Review

The News

Global greenhouse-gas emissions continue to rise, with energy-related carbon dioxide touching an estimated 37–38 gigatonnes in 2024. Non-CO₂ gases (methane, nitrous oxide, industrial gases) are also increasing. Despite clean-energy expansion, the world has not yet achieved a definitive emissions peak, a milestone necessary to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

What Are “Peak Emissions”?

Peak emissions refer to the year when global annual greenhouse-gas output reaches its highest point and begins to decline thereafter.
Why it matters:

• Essential for limiting warming to 1.5°C.
  
• Determines available carbon budgets.
  
• Delays increase climate risks and intensify adaptation burdens.
  

Recent Trends

Why Emissions Are Not Peaking Yet

• Slow decline in fossil-fuel consumption.
  
• Rising energy demand in developing economies.
  
• Continued methane emissions from agriculture and energy sector.
  
• Insufficient global climate finance and technology transfer.
  

What Needs to Be Done

• Accelerate renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency.
  
• Rapid methane mitigation (agriculture, waste, oil & gas).
  
• Strengthen climate finance mechanisms for developing nations.
  
• Align national policies with IPCC pathways, Paris Agreement, and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
  

One-line Wrap

Persistent growth in global emissions shows the world is not yet on track for a climate-safe future, making an early and steep emissions peak essential.