Sylvie Willis
Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels rose again in 2023, reaching record levels, according to estimates from an international team of scientists. In 2023, total fossil emissions were 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, with China and the United States being the biggest contributors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuels as a % of global carbon emissions | 75% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global carbon dioxide emissions | 90% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions | 40% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions in 2018 | 89% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions in 2023 | 94.4% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of electricity generation in 2022 | 60% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of electricity generation in 2023 | 50% more than 20 years ago |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global temperature rise | 0.3C of 1C |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global warming | 1.1% increase in 2023 compared to 2022 |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions from natural gas combustion | 20% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions from coal combustion | 45% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions from oil | 35% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions from transport | 14% |
| Fossil fuels as a % of global CO2 emissions from industry | 22.4% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming
In 2022, global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high, and this trend continued into 2023, with emissions surpassing 36 billion metric tons of CO2. The United States, China, India, and the European Union are among the largest contributors to these emissions. The transportation sector, which relies heavily on petroleum-based fuels, is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions. Other significant sources include the industrial sector, where fossil fuels are burned on-site for energy, and the commercial and residential sectors, where fossil fuels are used for heating and cooking.
While there have been efforts to curb emissions, such as the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, the progress has been slow. The rebound in economic activity after the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in emissions, and the impact of wildfires and deforestation further exacerbates the problem. At current emission levels, there is a 50% chance that global warming will exceed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius by around 2030.
To limit global warming and mitigate its severe impacts, a rapid and significant reduction in fossil fuel emissions is necessary. This includes transitioning to alternative energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing policies to reduce the consumption and demand for fossil fuels. While emissions have declined in some countries, the overall trend is still upward, underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing global challenge.
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Fossil fuel emissions are rising
The burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation and industrial activities are major sources of carbon emissions. Over 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, and industrial emissions are the third-largest source of direct emissions. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based. Fossil fuel companies remain huge polluters, producing and selling fossil fuel products while scientists advocate for a mass switch to renewable energy.
The continued rise in emissions from burning oil, coal, and natural gas impedes progress toward limiting global warming. Scientists' early analysis of 2023 data shows that emissions from fossil fuels rose by 1.1% compared to 2022 levels, reaching a total of 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. When including other sources, such as deforestation and wildfires, total emissions in 2023 were estimated at 40.9 billion metric tons.
While the ocean and land act as carbon sinks, absorbing about half of the carbon emitted, they can also be sources of carbon emissions under certain conditions. The proportion of carbon dioxide that remains in the atmosphere, known as the airborne fraction, has remained stable over the past 60 years despite the increase in human-caused emissions. This stability slows the rate of climate change but leads to issues like ocean acidification and altered land ecosystem functioning.
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Fossil fuels are used for electricity generation
Fossil fuels are a major source of energy for electricity generation, and this process releases significant carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Over 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation. The US electric power industry, for instance, accounted for about 33% of total energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022.
The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases greenhouse gases, with CO2 being the most prevalent. In 2022, coal combustion accounted for 55% of CO2 emissions in the US electric power sector, while natural gas use accounted for 39%. Less than 1% of emissions in this sector come from sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), an insulating chemical used in electricity transmission and distribution equipment.
The use of fossil fuels for electricity generation has far-reaching consequences beyond CO2 emissions. The greenhouse effect, caused by certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, traps long-wave thermal radiation, leading to global warming. While the greenhouse effect is essential for keeping the Earth habitable, the accumulation of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, is causing climate change. This has imposed costs and impacts on people and countries worldwide.
Additionally, the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors experience a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are included. This is due to the high electricity consumption in these sectors, primarily for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and appliances. The transportation sector, while currently representing a lower percentage of electricity use, is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions.
To address the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel usage, there have been proposals for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. However, capturing CO2 emissions from power stations effectively is challenging and expensive. Nevertheless, the decline in CO2 emissions in the electric power sector reflects a positive trend: a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels used for electricity generation and a shift towards less carbon-intensive sources, such as natural gas.
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Fossil fuels are used in transport
Road travel accounts for the majority of transport emissions, with passenger vehicles such as cars and buses contributing 45.1%, and freight trucks contributing 29.4%. The demand for road freight is expected to increase with the growth of e-commerce and home delivery, and the rise in diesel consumption by trucks. Strategies to reduce freight emissions include modern engines, low-carbon fuels, and more efficient practices such as optimising vehicle space and reducing freight demand.
Aviation emissions are responsible for around 11.6% of transport emissions, and this share is rising. The use of electric vehicles is expected to contribute to emissions reductions in the aviation sector, with the adoption of low-emission alternatives to fossil-derived jet fuel. Shipping is another significant contributor to transport emissions, and there is a push for the adoption of zero- and low-emission fuels in this sector.
To reduce transport emissions, policies are being implemented to encourage the use of less carbon-intensive travel options such as walking, cycling, and public transport, as well as the adoption of electric cars and trucks. The Renewable Fuel Standard program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the use of renewable fuels, while the EPA has issued GHG emission standards for certain new commercial airplanes.
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Fossil fuels are used in manufacturing and industry
The manufacturing sector also emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through industrial processes. In 2021, the US emitted an estimated 6.4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, with the manufacturing sector responsible for about 12% of these emissions. Most emissions in this sector come from the chemical and refining industries, with 75% resulting from burning fuel for heat and the rest from industrial processes that transform materials into products.
Fossil fuels are consumed in various industrial processes to create new products, such as using natural gas to produce fertilizer. These fossil fuels, referred to as energy feedstocks, contribute to industrial process emissions. While emissions from energy feedstocks are included in estimates, they may not always be explicitly included in fuel use calculations.
The industrial sector is a significant contributor to energy consumption and emissions. In 2023, it was the highest energy end-use sector, and natural gas was the primary source of industrial sector CO2 emissions. The burning of fossil fuels on-site at industrial facilities for energy contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from this sector. Additionally, chemical, metallurgical, and mineral transformation processes, along with waste management activities, further increase emissions.
While there have been efforts to reduce emissions, such as the Paris Agreement aiming to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, the decline in emissions in some regions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activity, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high in 2023. The continued rebound in economic activity and the burning of fossil fuels, particularly oil, coal, and natural gas, have impeded progress in limiting global warming.
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Frequently asked questions
Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels were 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, according to estimates.
Fossil fuels account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
The burning of oil, coal, and natural gas for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial activities are the major sources of carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, powerful greenhouse gases that trap the sun's heat, leading to global warming and climate change.
Alternatives to fossil fuels include renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power, which emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants.
