Summary
- The United States accounted for nearly one third of the increase in global carbon dioxide emissions in 2025, as higher gas prices pushed power producers back to coal, according to a new Energy Institute report released in partnership with Ember, Kearney Institute and KPMG.
- Global energy sector emissions climbed 1.1 percent to 35,806 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, with North America’s increase standing out against a decade-long trend of emissions falling by 0.7 percent.
- Global oil consumption rose 1.3 percent to 103 million barrels per day, compared with a 1.1 percent increase in 2024.
The United States accounted for nearly one third of the increase in global carbon dioxide emissions in 2025, as higher gas prices pushed power producers back to coal, according to a new Energy Institute report released in partnership with Ember, Kearney Institute and KPMG.
The report found that US coal consumption rose by 10 percent last year, reversing a shift toward cleaner fuels and lifting overall emissions. Global energy sector emissions climbed 1.1 percent to 35,806 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, with North America’s increase standing out against a decade-long trend of emissions falling by 0.7 percent.
The study noted that global energy demand continued to grow, with total supply rising 1.7 percent from 2024. Renewables contributed the largest share of that increase, with renewable power generation up 9.1 percent, led by a 30 percent surge in solar.
Europe’s energy-related emissions rose 0.5 percent, while China’s increased 0.7 percent in 2025. Electricity demand grew faster than supply, climbing 3 percent year-on-year, driven by electric vehicles, data centres and artificial intelligence.
Global oil consumption rose 1.3 percent to 103 million barrels per day, compared with a 1.1 percent increase in 2024. Oil production grew 3.5 percent. In China, gasoline and diesel use declined, extending a trend from the previous year.
Gas demand growth was concentrated in Europe, the Middle East and North America, with Europe and India relying on imports for nearly half of their supply.
The report underscored the challenge of balancing rising energy demand with climate goals, highlighting that while renewables are expanding rapidly, fossil fuel use continues to drive emissions upward.
