Energy & Environment — Carbon emissions hit new high in 2024, report finds

Presented by American Chemistry Council — Planet-warming carbon emissions reached a new high this year, according to research published Wednesday by the Global Carbon Project.

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  Fossil fuel pollution hits record high: Research Planet-warming carbon emissions reached a new high this year, according to research published Wednesday by the Global Carbon Project. © AP Photo/J. David Ake The total emissions for the year are projected at 41.6 billion metric tons, an increase of 1 billion metric tons from 2023, according to the research.   Much of the increase has been driven by increased emissions from both fossil fuel use and changes in land use, such as deforestation. Extensive drought conditions have compounded these emissions by increasing the output from deforestation and forest fires.   The report indicated that emissions from each of the categories of fuel responsible for most emissions increased. Coal-related emissions, which comprise 41 percent of all fossil-fuel emissions, are projected to increase 0.2 percent in 2024, while oil emissions, which represent 32 percent of emissions, will increase an estimated 0.9 percent, and gas, which represents 21 percent of emissions, are projected to grow 2.4 percent. Researchers noted that the final numbers could represent a decrease in coal emissions.   Broken down by the three countries responsible for the largest share of emissions, China's emissions are expected to increase by 0.2 percent, although like coal emissions, the range of possibilities includes a decrease. U.S. emissions are projected to fall 0.6 percent, while India's emissions are projected to grow by 4.6 percent.   The report comes against the backdrop of the COP29 United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan, the final summit of President Biden's term. Biden, who attended the meeting in 2021 and 2022, is not attending for the second consecutive year, nor is Vice President Harris, who attended in 2023.   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Federal Court takes aim at White House's environment authority  A federal court in D.C. has issued a ruling that curtails the White House's ability to set government-wide rules pertaining to how environmental reviews can be conducted.   Full Story Extreme weather is ramping up toxic nitrate pollution in groundwater: Study Climate-driven extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and intense precipitation, may be accelerating the pace at which toxic nitrates are polluting groundwater, a recent study has found.  Full Story World could cross red line for planetary warming by decade's end, study finds The release of planet-heating chemicals into the atmosphere is set to hit a record high in 2024 — with "no sign" of a peak in sight, a new study has found.  Full Story In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Trump Cabinet picks: Here's who's on the list to carry out his agenda President-elect Trump is assembling his Cabinet and senior staff for his second term in the White House before taking office in January. Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: A famous climate graphic is running out of red (BBC)   The U.S. election is casting a shadow over global climate talks (NPR) It's not normal for the East Coast to be on fire (Vox) A MESSAGE FROM AMERICAN CHEMISTRY COUNCIL The World Needs Plastic, Not Plastic Pollution The American Chemistry Council supports a global agreement to end plastic pollution while retaining the benefits plastic provides. Learn more. What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: 5 things to know about Pete Hegseth, Trump's Pentagon nominee President-elect Trump has made an unconventional choice in announcing his intention of nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.  Read more Trump bewilders Senate GOP with Gaetz AG selection President-elect Trump's decision to tap Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to become attorney general caught Senate Republicans completely flat-footed, and put the party on the defensive immediately over one of the most prominent — and polarizing — Cabinet selections.  Read more   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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