COVID Cases Drop, Economies Reopen, CO2 Emissions Surge

As Covid cases continue to drop, the reopening of the global economy has fueled an increase in carbon dioxide emissions. In 2020, after governments worldwide implemented lockdowns, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry came down drastically. It was the most significant one-year drop on record. But as economies reopen, that number has changed. Now, CO2 emissions are just 1% below their record high in 2019.

Experts had warned before that the dip in carbon emissions was just temporary. And many predicted a 4.9% increase in carbon emissions in 2021. At the same time, many world leaders suggested a “greener recovery” to recover from economic losses caused by COVID. But with a few exceptions, most nations didn’t comply with their promises. A recent report from the UN shows that the world spent $16 trillion on economic recovery, but most were spent on the fossil fuel-dependent parts of the economy.

The emissions numbers were released at the ongoing COP26 summit in Glasgow, where world leaders are discussing ways to limit carbon emissions. The data revealed shows the challenges faced by many countries to curb emissions of methane.

But we have some good news

The data, clearly a setback in the global fight against climate change, shows some good news, as the carbon emissions from 2005 have remained somewhat flat. And there has been a steady decline in CO2 emissions in the United States and the EU. But there has been a massive influx in CO2 emissions in China and India.

Mostly due to a surge in coal use for the electricity industry. Both nations have seen a 5.4% and 4.4% rise, respectively, from 2019 levels. Previously at the G20 summit, India, China, Australia, and Russia objected to eliminating coal usage domestically in the G20 summit. Due to their objection G20 summit only resulted in a pledge to end international fundings for coal-powered power plants.

While the globe continues its fight against climate change, a plethora of hope comes in as a coalition of 18 nations will pledge to phase out coal-fueled power plants domestically and stop funding for international projects. Burning coal is the biggest contributor to global CO2 emissions. The new campaign to end coal usage was only successful because of the new coalition of 18 nations. Though the full list is still unavailable, it includes developed and developing countries like Poland, Egypt, and Morocco.