Today is World Meteorological Day. The Day is celebrated every year on 23 March. On this day in 1950, World Meteorological Organisation was established. This year’s theme is “weather-ready, climate smart”.
On the eve of this day, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its first Global Energy and CO2 Status Report online on 22 March 2018. It provides a snapshot of recent global trends and developments across fuels, renewable sources, and energy efficiency and carbon emissions, in 2017.
According to the report, demand for energy is increasing every year. Last year it was increased by 2.1% which was more than double of the previous year’s rate. The reason behind this is the strong global economic growth.
Carbon emissions reached a historical high of 32.5 gigatonnes in the last year. However, it was declined in the USA, the UK, Mexico and Japan in 2017. Source: Getty Images/visionandimagination.com
The report said:
“Over 70% of global energy demand growth was met by oil, natural gas and coal, while renewables accounted for almost all of the rest. Improvements in energy efficiency slowed down last year. As a result of these trends, global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions increased by 1.4% in 2017, after three years of remaining flat.”
Carbon emissions reached a historical high of 32.5 gigatonnes in the last year. However, it did not rise everywhere. It was declined in The United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan in 2017.
According to Energy Policies of IEA Countries review, though Australia’s carbon intensity is in decline, it is still the highest among IEA countries. Australia has abundant energy resources but its energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Energy security concerns are on the rise in Australia. Australia’s power system finds itself exposed to concerns over reliability.
IEA review also says, a consistent energy and climate framework up to 2030/50 is needed at the Commonwealth level to ensure continued and adequate investment in the energy sector in Australia.
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