LONDON - Global energy-related carbon emissions rose to a record high last year as energy demand and coal use increased, mainly in Asia, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday .
For the first time, the IEA assessed the impact of fossil fuel use on the increase in global temperature and found that CO2 emitted from coal consumption was responsible for over 0.3 degrees Celsius of the 1 degree rise in global average temperature since pre-industrial times. "Last year can also be considered another golden year for gas ... but despite major growth in renewables, global emissions are still rising, demonstrating once again that more urgent action is needed on all fronts," he added.
Demand for energy from renewable sources rose by 4 per cent but the use of renewables needs to expand much more quickly to meet long-term climate goals, the report said.
To replace fossil fuels we need a solution. We need renewable and nuclear energy that is cost-effective and safe. This can only be accomplished with research and incentives for corporations, not government intervention that will drive us further into debt.