Net-zero target viable? Study shows emissions are back to pre-Covid levels

The world's strong economic rebound has created a surge in demand for energy, and the global energy system is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels

Global carbon dioxide emissions have bounced back after Covid-19 restrictions and are likely to reach close to pre-pandemic levels this year, our analysis released today has found.

The troubling finding comes as world leaders meet at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in a last-ditch bid to keep dangerous global warming at bay. The analysis was undertaken by the Global Carbon Project, a consortium of scientists from around the world who produce, collect and analyse global greenhouse gas information.

The fast recovery in CO2 emissions, following last year’s sharp drop, should come as