Policies to curb carbon emissions insufficient as energy demand rises - IEA

Current government policies to curb carbon emissions and save the world from climate catastrophe are falling short for the 2040 goal as energy demand is rising.

A report from the International Energy Agency said government need to form a “grand coalition” of governments and investors to try to reach the goal.

The IEA’s latest figures estimate that carbon emissions are on track to keep rising by 100m tonnes a year for at least another 20 years under existing policy plans.

The IEA said carbon emissions from the global energy industry reached a new record in 2018 despite progress in renewable energy in recent years.

The current growth of renewables is not enough to cut down the emissions before the 2040 and prevent a climate crisis, said the IEA.

Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, said there was a “deep disparity” between the aim to tackle the climate crisis by curbing carbon emissions and the existing policies which had allowed a “relentless upward march” for emissions.

“We will need to see great political will around the world,” Birol said. “This is why I believe that the world needs to build a grand coalition encompassing governments, investors, companies and everyone else who is genuinely committed to tackling climate change.”

“We think that governments’ current plans could bring us to a catastrophic implications for the climate of this planet. In order to be in line with the Paris targets there is a need for huge efforts in pushing energy efficiency, renewable energy and all other clean energy technologies,” Birol added.