CO2 emissions may be starting to plateau, says global energy watchdog

The cooling towers of a lignite-fired power station in Germany. Emissions from coal grew by 1.6% last year, less than had been feared. Photograph: Florian Gaertner/Photothek/ Getty Images

Global carbon dioxide emissions are still rising but may at least be reaching a plateau, research from the International Energy Agency has shown.

CO₂ from energy – by far the biggest source of emissions – increased by less than 1% in 2022. This was despite the turmoil in energy the markets caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.