Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the world's primary energy source for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 81.5-82% of global energy consumption, with coal, oil, and natural gas making up 80% of the energy mix. Despite a record rise in renewable energy usage, the world's consumption of fossil fuels continues to increase, with a 1.5% rise in 2023. This trend is driven by a spike in energy demand, with more than half coming from the Global South. Advanced economies show signs of peaking demand for fossil fuels, while economies in the Global South continue to drive fossil fuel growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of world energy supplied by fossil fuels | 80-82% |
| Percentage of primary energy consumption worldwide from fossil fuels | 81.5% |
| Fossil fuel that is the single-largest source of carbon emissions | Coal |
| Percentage of global electricity production from coal | 37% |
| Percentage of global electricity production from renewables | 27% |
| Percentage of global electricity production from natural gas | 24% |
| Percentage of global electricity production from nuclear | 10% |
| Percentage of global electricity production from oil | Less than 3% |
| Percentage of US energy consumption from coal | 19% |
| Percentage of US energy consumption from oil | One-third |
| Percentage of India's energy consumption from fossil fuels | 89% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels supplied 80% of the world's energy in 2023
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have powered economies for over 150 years. In 2023, fossil fuels supplied around 80% of the world's energy. This figure has remained relatively stable over the years, although there has been a slight decline due to the increasing use of renewable energy sources.
According to the Energy Institute, global primary energy consumption hit an all-time high in 2023, with oil and coal dominating the energy mix. Fossil fuel consumption increased by 1.5% from 2022, with coal, oil, and natural gas comprising approximately 82% of the global energy supply. This rise in consumption resulted in a record-breaking 40 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions, driven primarily by a spike in energy demand from the Global South.
The transportation sector, which relies heavily on oil, contributes significantly to fossil fuel consumption. Oil is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with oil combustion responsible for a significant portion of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Coal, the cheapest and dirtiest fossil fuel, is the largest single source of carbon emissions, contributing to global warming and air pollution.
While there has been a notable shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, the world's growing energy demand has resulted in a continued reliance on fossil fuels. This trend is particularly evident in developing economies in the Global South, where economic development and improvements in the quality of life drive fossil fuel growth. In contrast, advanced economies, such as those in Europe, have shown signs of peaking in their demand for fossil fuels, with a decreasing trend in recent years.
To combat the negative impacts of fossil fuels on health and the environment, it is crucial to transition to low-carbon energy sources. This includes improving energy efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, and exploring carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.
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Oil and coal are the most consumed
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been powering economies for over 150 years. They currently supply about 80% of the world's energy, with oil and coal dominating the energy mix. In 2023, fossil fuel consumption hit an all-time high, with coal, oil, and natural gas accounting for 82% of the global energy mix. Oil and coal alone accounted for 55% of the world's energy consumption, a historic high, up 2% from 2022.
Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, oil combustion was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The transportation sector accounts for most oil consumption. Oil is refined into fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and non-fuel products such as pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Coal is primarily used to generate electricity and supplied 19% of US energy consumption in 2020. While coal usage has been decreasing in favor of natural gas and renewable energy, it is still the largest source of electricity globally and the single largest source of carbon emissions. Coal is also the most polluting energy source in terms of CO2 production and local air pollution, contributing to over 0.3°C of the 1.2°C increase in global average temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.
The burning of fossil fuels has had significant negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is the largest driver of global climate change, releasing greenhouse gases such as CO2, particulate matter, smog, and acid rain. Fossil fuel combustion is estimated to have caused millions of premature deaths worldwide, with air pollution from fossil fuels costing US$2.9 trillion in 2018. As low-carbon energy sources become more available, the world needs to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
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Fossil fuel consumption is declining in advanced economies
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have powered economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. However, there is a growing trend towards renewable energy sources, and fossil fuel consumption is declining in advanced economies.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief drop in fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in advanced economies. While these economies are expected to return to pre-pandemic consumption levels within a few years, the pandemic may have accelerated the transition to renewable energy. Advanced economies may have reached peak emissions from the energy sector, with Europe's fossil fuel consumption dipping below 70% for the first time in history.
The Group of Seven (G7), including major economies like the US, UK, Canada, and Germany, has pledged to exit coal by the 2030s. This marks a significant step toward the international pledge to "transition away" from fossil fuels made at COP28. Additionally, investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure are expected to reach $2 trillion this year, nearly double the amount invested in fossil fuels.
The decline in fossil fuel consumption in advanced economies is driven by various factors. Firstly, the costs of renewable energy and natural gas have dropped, making coal less competitive. For example, coal usage and carbon dioxide emissions in the United States have decreased significantly in recent years. Secondly, improving energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes can reduce energy demand and emissions. Finally, orienting cities and towns around public transit, walking, or biking can also contribute to reduced fossil fuel consumption.
While fossil fuel consumption is declining in advanced economies, it is important to note that global fossil fuel consumption hit a record high in 2023, driven by increasing demand from the Global South. Therefore, while advanced economies are making progress in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, more efforts are needed to support the transition to renewable energy worldwide.
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Renewable energy sources are on the rise
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary energy source for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with coal, oil, and natural gas being the most dominant sources. However, there is a growing trend towards renewable energy sources, which are cleaner and more sustainable alternatives.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower, biofuels, and geothermal, are becoming increasingly prominent in the global energy landscape. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and this share is expected to continue growing. The costs of renewable energy technologies have been dropping rapidly, making them more attractive and accessible to countries worldwide. For instance, the cost of electricity from solar power decreased by 85% between 2010 and 2020, while the prices of onshore and offshore wind energy fell by 56% and 48%%, respectively.
The benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources are significant. Firstly, renewable energy sources emit little to no greenhouse gases, helping to address climate change. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 99% of people worldwide breathe air that exceeds safe air quality limits, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. By switching to renewables, global carbon emissions can be substantially reduced, contributing to the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Secondly, renewable energy sources are abundant and available in all countries, unlike fossil fuels, which are limited and unevenly distributed globally. This abundance of renewables ensures energy security and reduces a country's reliance on imports from fossil fuel-rich nations. Additionally, every dollar invested in renewable energy creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, renewable energy sources are essential for modernizing electricity grids, making them smarter and more secure. The expansion of renewables is occurring at various scales, from large offshore wind farms to rooftop solar panels on homes. Entire communities are now relying solely on renewable energy for their heating and lighting needs. As renewable energy technology continues to advance and become more affordable, it will play a critical role in displacing "dirty" fossil fuels and driving the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
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Coal is the single-largest source of carbon emissions
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have powered economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. In 2023, global primary energy consumption hit an all-time high, with fossil fuels comprising 82% of the global energy mix. Oil and coal each accounted for about a third and a quarter of the world's energy consumption, respectively.
Coal, the cheapest and dirtiest fossil fuel, is the single largest source of carbon emissions. It has contributed over 0.3°C of the 1.2°C increase in global average temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. Coal usage has been declining in the United States, resulting in a 50% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from coal between 2007 and 2019. However, in 2022, coal still accounted for about 19% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions and 55% of total CO2 emissions from the electric power sector.
Coal mining, particularly surface mining, has had significant environmental impacts. In the United States, surface mines contributed to about 63% of coal production in 2022. This type of mining involves removing the soil and rock above coal deposits, altering the landscape and potentially polluting downstream waterways. Mountaintop removal mining, which gained popularity in the 1990s, has also led to substantial landscape changes and potential harm to aquatic wildlife.
When coal is burned, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas produced from fossil fuel combustion. Other emissions from coal burning include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, mercury, and heavy metals, all of which have negative health and environmental consequences.
To mitigate the environmental impact of coal, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are being employed. In 2020, 26 commercial CCS plants worldwide captured 40 million tons of carbon, equivalent to 0.11% of annual global emissions. While CCS can help reduce emissions, it does not negate the need to transition away from coal and towards cleaner energy sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. This figure has remained relatively stable over the past few years, despite the growing use of renewable energy sources.
Coal is the most used fossil fuel and is the single largest source of carbon emissions. In 2019, coal accounted for 37% of global electricity production. Oil is also a major source of energy and greenhouse gas emissions, constituting about one-third of U.S. energy consumption.
Total fossil fuel energy consumption worldwide stood at roughly 140,000 terawatt-hours in 2023. This was a record high, with consumption increasing by 1.5% compared to 2022.
Fossil fuel consumption varies across the world. In 2023, the Global South accounted for more than half of the increase in energy demand, with India's fossil fuel consumption climbing by 8% to make up 89% of the country's energy use. In contrast, Europe's demand for fossil fuels has decreased, falling below 70% of primary energy use in 2022.
