🌍 Record Global CO₂ Emissions in 2024: A Wake-Up Call for India's Climate Strategy

 🌍 Record Global CO₂ Emissions in 2024: A Wake-Up Call for India's Climate Strategy

By Suryavanshi IAS Editorial Team | For UPSC Prelims & Mains Aspirants

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🧭 Contextual Background

In a world gripped by energy insecurity and climate emergency, the Energy Institute’s Annual Statistical Review of World Energy (2025) has sounded a critical alarm. Global CO₂ emissions hit an all-time high for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the urgent yet unfulfilled need to shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources.

🔹 What’s new?

For the first time since 2006, every major energy source — oil, gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, and renewables — saw simultaneous growth in global supply. Despite this, carbon emissions continue their upward trajectory, reaching 40.8 gigatonnes CO₂ equivalent in 2024.

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📝 Prelims Booster: Key Data Points to Remember

Indicator	Stat/Figure (2024)
Global energy supply growth	↑ 2%
Fossil fuel dominance	Natural gas ↑ 2.5%, Coal ↑ 1.2%, Oil ↑ <1%
Wind & Solar	↑ 16% (9x faster than demand)
Global CO₂ emissions	↑ ~1%, reached 40.8 GtCO₂e
Warmest year on record	Global temp > 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
Major summit	COP28 (Dubai, 2023) – Pact to transition from fossil fuels by 2050

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🧠 Mains-Oriented Analysis

1. 🔥 Why Are Emissions Still Rising?

• Geopolitical disruptions: War in Ukraine and tensions in West Asia disrupted energy flows, forcing many economies to fall back on coal and gas.
• Energy security over sustainability: Countries prioritized immediate supply over clean energy goals.
• Inertia in energy systems: Fossil fuel infrastructure is deeply embedded in global economies.

2. ⚡ The Renewable Paradox

• Renewables expanded (16%), but total energy demand outpaced clean transition.
• Wind and solar’s fast growth is not yet enough to displace fossil fuels due to:
• Intermittent supply issues.
• Slow grid modernization.
• Lack of energy storage infrastructure.

3. 🇮🇳 India's Strategic Takeaways

• India is among the few nations expanding both renewable capacity and green hydrogen investments.
• However, coal still forms over 70% of India's electricity mix.
• Policy interventions needed:
• Faster implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Improve domestic grid efficiency and battery storage.
• Incentivize EV adoption and decentralized solar.

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🎯 UPSC Mains Questions for Practice

Q1. Despite record growth in renewable energy, global CO₂ emissions continue to rise. Discuss the reasons behind this trend and suggest a way forward. (250 words)

Q2. Critically examine India's approach to balancing energy security and climate responsibility in light of recent global energy reports. (250 words)

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📚 UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs

1. With reference to the 2024 Global Energy Report, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Wind and solar energy grew faster than overall energy demand.
2. Natural gas declined globally due to geopolitical tensions.
3. COP28 was held in Abu Dhabi in 2023.

Options:

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. All of the above

✅ Answer: A

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🚀 Conclusion: A Defining Decade Ahead

With 2024 being the hottest year on record and emissions peaking again, the world stands at a crossroads. India must seize this moment to lead by example — by combining energy justice with ecological prudence. The transition to net-zero by 2070 must be equitable, accelerated, and deeply localized.

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