Decoupling of global emissions and economic growth confirmed
New figures from IEA show global greenhouse gas emissions decoupling from economic growth for second year in a row.
By George Smeeton
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Commenting on new figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA) showing global greenhouse gas emissions decoupling from economic growth for the second year in a row, Richard Black, director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “When the IEA said last year that global emissions had stalled whilst economic growth had continued, they understandably sounded a note of caution; was this a one-off, or the start of something major?
“The sense of excitement as they report similar findings this year therefore is palpable, because in essence they’re showing that combating climate change is perfectly compatible with continuing economic growth.
“Coming as it does on UK Budget day, one specific point from the IEA report is worth noting – and that is that the key factors keeping emissions down were policies that cut energy waste and increase use of renewables.
“As a number of Conservative backbenchers have indicated, the current UK government has yet to signal its continuing support for energy efficiency and renewables; so it will be interesting to see what the Budget delivers.”