Nations face growing challenges in reducing emissions as global electricity demand increases

Global electricity use is projected to grow significantly faster than expected, complicating efforts to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming.

Brad Plumer reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• The International Energy Agency predicts global electricity demand will be 6% higher by 2035 than previously estimated.
• Surging demand for electric vehicles, air-conditioning, and data centers is driving the rise.
• Despite rapid renewable energy growth, countries are not building low-emission power sources fast enough to meet climate targets.

Key quote:

“With higher energy use, even fast renewables growth doesn’t translate to fast falls in carbon-dioxide emissions.”

— Dave Jones, global insight director at Ember

Why this matters:

As electricity demand climbs, reliance on coal and fossil fuels could persist longer, making it harder to curb global warming. Without faster deployment of renewable energy, nations risk missing their climate goals and worsening the impacts of climate change.

Read more:

• India turns to coal amid rising electricity demand
• Winter strains on electric grids match summer challenges
• Opinion: Rethinking utility incentives is key to meeting rising US electricity demands