Africa > Global decarb rate doubles in 2014, still short of 2C requirements -consultants

Global decarb rate doubles in 2014, still short of 2C requirements -consultants

Published 23:01 on October 11, 2015  /  Last updated at 08:56 on October 12, 2015  / Ben Garside /  Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific, Australia, Canada, Carbon Taxes, China, Climate Talks, International, Middle East, Other APAC, South & Central, South Korea, US

Carbon intensity among the Group of 20 major economies declined in 2014 at its steepest rate since 2000, an early sign that the world is beginning to decouple GDP from emissions, an analysis by consultancy PwC found.

Carbon intensity among the Group of 20 major economies declined in 2014 at its steepest rate since 2000, an early sign that the world is beginning to decouple GDP from emissions, an analysis by consultancy PwC found.

PwC’s seventh annual Low Carbon Economy Index models the measure of energy related greenhouse gas emissions per million dollars of GDP.

It shows carbon intensity fell 2.7% in 2014 while GDP grew 3.2% on a 0.5% increase in energy related emissions.

Key findings:

    • 2014 first year more than one country (UK, France, Germany and Italy, EU as a whole) got at least 6.3%, the rate required globally to limit warming to 2C.
    • UK set record of 10.9% due to strong economy, lower coal use and a warmer winter.
    • Top emitter China best outside EU with 6%
    • Australia slips from the top spot, still achieved 4.7%.

Rates rose in: South Africa, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Turkey

“What we are seeing is the first signs of the decoupling of growth from carbon. The trend in Chinese emissions looks like it’s starting to turn, and renewables are on the up. But we’re not there yet. And the Paris pledges don’t get us there either. The real tipping point is when renewables hit cost parity with fossil fuels,” said Leo Johnson, PwC sustainability and climate change partner in a statement.

Despite the improvement, the countries have failed to reach the 6.3% requirement to achieve 2C in all seven years PwC has carried out the study.

PwC Low Carbon Economy Index 2015

PwC Low Carbon Economy Index 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ben Garside – ben@carbon-pulse.com