Daily Reports
Record Fossil Fuel Consumption Drives Climate Crisis
The world consumed record amounts of oil, coal, and gas in 2023, pushing carbon pollution to unprecedented levels, according to a recent report by the United States Energy Institute. This surge in fossil fuel use drove a 2.1% increase in energy-related emissions, marking a new high of over 40 billion metric tons. The report highlights a global struggle to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, despite the escalating impacts of the climate crisis. Extreme heat waves, deadly wildfires, and severe flooding are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting regions such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Despite the addition of renewable energy sources at record levels, the rapid growth in global energy demand has allowed fossil fuels to fill the gaps. In 2023, the world consumed more than 100 million barrels of oil per day for the first time, with the United States leading as the largest oil producer. Fossil fuel use was particularly strong in developing economies, with India's consumption rising by 8% and China's by 6%. However, the share of fossil fuels in major advanced economies like the United States and Europe has begun to decline, thanks to increased renewable energy adoption.
Global Heat Waves and Power Outages
The global village is grappling with abnormal climate conditions, including premature scorching heat. In the northeastern United States, heat wave warnings have been issued, with temperatures expected to reach 40.6 degrees Celsius. The Middle East is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures in Kuwait soaring to 50 degrees and Egypt surpassing 51 degrees. These conditions have led to power outages as electricity demand surges.
On the Korean Peninsula, extreme weather continues with a heat wave warning issued for most regions, except Jeju. Daytime temperatures in Gyeonggi-do reached 37 degrees, prompting the city of Seoul to implement measures to mitigate heat wave damage. The heat wave has peaked in the central region, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees in Seoul and 37.4 degrees in Gangwon-do. Meanwhile, the southern region, affected by the rainy season front, experienced slightly cooler temperatures due to cloud cover.
- The report by the United States Energy Institute underscores the urgency for governments to act swiftly in scaling up renewable energy sources to meet the growing global energy demand. Juliet Davenport, president of the Energy Institute, emphasized the critical role of energy in human progress and survival. Despite the increase in renewable energy, the proportion of fossil fuels in the global energy mix remains largely unchanged.
- Dave Jones, global insights director at climate think tank Ember, stressed the need for a faster scale-up of renewables and more efficient energy use to curb fossil fuel consumption. To achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, emissions must be halved by the end of this decade.
- The extreme weather events and rising temperatures are a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change. In the United States, the heat dome phenomenon has led to power plant shutdowns and increased electricity demand. In the Middle East, precautionary measures to protect power grids have been implemented due to the soaring temperatures. The Korean Peninsula is also experiencing extreme heat, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting continued high temperatures until the 21st, followed by slight relief due to cloud cover.
