The June 20 Statistical Review of World Energy report has noted that global primary energy consumption reached an all-time high of 620 Exajoules (EJ) in 2023, contributing to increased and more extreme climate change impacts – flooding, temperature rise, and drought. The report also noted that emissions surpassed 40 gigatonnes of CO2 for the first time.
Key findings from the report include:
- Global Energy Demand: Primary energy demand grew by 2% from 2022, reaching 620 EJ.
- Fossil Fuel Consumption: Fossil fuel use increased by 1.5% to 505 EJ, accounting for 81.5% of the total energy mix, slightly decreasing from 82% in 2022. Notably, fossil fuel use did not increase in any European country.
- Electricity Generation: Global electricity generation rose by 2.5% in 2023, compared to a 2.3% increase in 2022.
- Renewable Energy: Generation from renewable sources, excluding hydro, surged by 13%, hitting a record high of 4,748 terawatt-hours (TWh). Renewables, excluding hydro, comprise 8% of the global energy mix, up from 7.5% in 2022. Renewables, including hydro, account for 15% of the global energy mix.
- The report highlights shifting trends in energy consumption across different regions. For example, Europe’s share of fossil fuels in energy consumption fell below 70% for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.
A contrasting fact
Developing economies are in need of economic growth and all growth is tied to energy, so, understandably, these countries should be making use of higher levels of fossil fuel use. However, developed economies are using more fossils as the cited report finds.
“In advanced economies, we observe signs of demand for fossil fuels peaking, contrasting with economies in the Global South for whom economic development and improvements in quality of life continue to drive fossil growth,” said Nick Wayth, Chief Executive of the Energy Institute.
Realistic consequences
Although the use of fossil fuels is unavoidable, the realities are nonetheless present in everyday life and some countries are suffering due to climate change and impacts from the use of fossil fuels. It is important to note that the impacts will get worse, as stated in the report.
Some of these present consequences include;
Rainfall/flooding – Torrential rain, flash floods, and landslides across southern China have prompted authorities to activate emergency plans. Swollen rivers threaten to overflow, potentially affecting millions of people. On June 20, Guangdong province upgraded its emergency response for disasters such as landslides and flooding to the second-highest level.
Heatwave in India – A heatwave sweeping across northern India has killed at least 52 people in New Delhi. The country is grappling with record-high temperatures this summer. Over the past two days, hospitals have received at least 52 bodies, mostly of poor individuals who lived and worked outdoors, the Times of India reported.
Heatwave in Mecca, Saudi Arabia – At least 562 people have died during the haj, according to a Reuters tally based on foreign ministry statements and sources. Egypt alone has registered 307 deaths and another 118 missing, medical and security, as temperatures at times soared past 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit).