Global CO₂ emissions to hit record high in 2025: report

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Belem: Global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach a record high in 2025, rising by 1.1 percent compared to 2024, according to a study presented Thursday at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil.

The Global Carbon Budget 2025, compiled by the international scientific consortium Global Carbon Project, estimates that fossil fuel emissions will climb to 38.1 billion tonnes this year as global energy demand continues to grow faster than renewable energy capacity.

The report warns that the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is slipping out of reach, with natural carbon sinks — including oceans and forests — weakening as climate impacts intensify.

“With CO₂ emissions still increasing, keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius is no longer plausible,” said Professor Pierre Friedlingstein of the University of Exeter, who led the study.

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He noted that the remaining carbon budget for the 1.5°C threshold — 170 billion tonnes of CO₂ — is expected to be exhausted before 2030 at the current rate of emissions. “We estimate that climate change is now reducing the combined land and ocean sinks — a clear signal from Planet Earth that we need to dramatically reduce emissions,” he added.

Researchers stressed that although progress has been made, it remains insufficient.

“Efforts to tackle climate change are visible, with 35 countries succeeding in reducing their emissions while growing their economies,” said Corinne Le Quéré, a professor at the University of East Anglia.

However, she cautioned that progress is still too fragile to bring about the sustained and significant global emissions cuts needed to avert worsening climate impacts. She added that the weakening of natural carbon sinks further underscores the urgency of accelerated climate action.