Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose by 1% in 2024, hitting a new record of 40.8 gigatonnes, according to the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 report, released on June 26. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record-high emissions, signifying the continued dominance of fossil fuels in the global energy mix.

Despite strong growth in renewables, total energy demand surged by 2%, also reaching an all-time high. Electricity use alone rose by 4%, a sign that “the world [is] steadily leaning into the age of electricity,” the report noted.

Every major energy source — coal, oil, gas, renewables, hydro, and nuclear — hit record levels of use last year. Wind and solar power grew by 16%, expanding nine times faster than overall energy demand. However, the increase was not enough to displace fossil fuels, which also grew by just over 1%.

“Renewable energy demand hit a record high,” the report said, “despite not being able to counterbalance rising demand. Instead, renewables added to the total energy mix rather than replacing existing sources.”

The findings come as 2024 was officially declared the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures breaching the 1.5°C threshold for the first time — a key limit set under the Paris Agreement to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

What does this record-breaking trend mean for the Philippines’ energy transition and emissions goals? Join the conversation.

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