‘Insanity’: petrostates planning huge expansion of fossil fuels, says UN report
GuardianOCT 2023
Report: Fossil Fuel Use Drove Global Emissions to Record Level in 2023
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The Spin
Narrative A
This report reveals that global energy demand remains at record levels, leading to a significant increase in fossil fuel consumption and subsequently causing unprecedented emissions. The shift towards renewable energy is advancing at a slow pace, however, the report also highlights a remarkable increase in the production of renewable energy — particularly from wind and solar energy.
Narrative B
This year's review paints a gloomy image of a world failing to transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels as the effects of the climate crisis accelerate and become more deadly with each passing day. If we want to reverse the tide of fossil fuel consumption, there must be a much faster rise in renewables. If we are to succeed in limiting climate change and meeting Paris Agreement targets, we must reduce emissions by 50% by the end of the decade.