So can we be climate optimists? In 2024, we could see a decline in global carbon emissions for the first time in history — and years ahead of schedule. It sounds too good to be true.
This could be the year… global CO2 reduces
Hot topic: Scientists think 2023 could go down in history as the peak in our greenhouse gas emissions. Glossary
Greenhouse gas - Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases.
IEA - International Energy Agency.
Peaked - Reached its highest point.
Decarbonisation - Removing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the output of the economy.
Cacophony - A harsh or jarring mixture of sounds. The term originates from the Greek words kakos, meaning bad, and phone, meaning sound.
Net zero - When the gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by those being taken out of it.
Carbon capture - Technology which captures carbon dioxide from the air and transports it to storage sites underwater, preventing it from warming the atmosphere.