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 m

arks 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 finding

s 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 conv

ersation.

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