Climate change and emissions

Global average temperature has risen by approximately 1°C since the late 19th century

Global weather patterns change over time, driven by natural and human factors. The long-term measurement of weather in a region is known as its climate. The Earth's climate is currently warming, primarily due to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane emitted by human activities such as the use of fossil fuels for energy. Changes to the climate are likely to result in disruptions to water resources, ecosystems and crop yields, as well as increased climate-related extremes, vulnerability of marginalised populations and sea level rise. To avoid the worst impacts, significant efforts are underway to harness energy in ways that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Since 1992, most countries have been part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty providing a framework for international cooperation for combating climate change.

Learn more about climate change and emissions by exploring records published on our Energy Matrix.
For details on the progress in achieving the global and national climate change targets read the Energy World analyses.
Discover UK energy professionals' views of the best measures to reach emissions targets by reading our annual Energy Barometer.

What's new?

Road to net-zero emissions for heavy industries and transport

1-02-2019
A new report called Mission possible by the Energy Transitions Commission aims to encourage accelerated change towards net-zero emissions by 2050 in harder-to-abate industry sectors, like cement, steel, chemicals and heavy-duty transport.

EU vehicle emissions target divides automakers and environmentalists

25-01-2019
The European Union has agreed a target that will require carmakers to reduce the carbon emissions of new vehicles they sell in Europe by 15% in 2025, and by 37.5% in 2030 compared to 2021 levels. The EU had originally proposed a 30% reduction rate for cars and vans, with the Parliament seeking 40%.T...

UK deepens climate change partnership with Pacific Islands

18-12-2018
UK Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry has committed funding to help support Pacific Islands in their work against climate change.The funding comes in recognition that Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Marshall Islands are on the frontline of climate change and are already ...

New rules for climate emissions targets agreed at COP24

18-12-2018
Rules governing ambitious climate emissions targets were approved at COP24 by nearly 200 countries, following a fortnight of factious negotiations.In the final deal, countries including China, the EU and US reached a compromise over a single set of rules that will govern how countries measure and re...

Majority of car makers face huge fines for missing CO2 emissions targets

10-12-2018
PA Consulting’s forecast of car manufacturers’ performance against mandatory European Union (EU) carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions targets suggests that eight out of 13 car manufacturers will miss their 2021 targets and face significant fines. Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat, PSA, BMW, Daimler, Mazda ...

Future-proofing your Career: Role of IOCs in the Energy Transition

27-02-2019
The industry is in a state of flux. So what role can oil and gas play in the future of energy supply in a wider energy mix, and in developing the careers of young energy professionals?

Panel Discussion: Decarbonising the Power Sector

12-03-2019
The Essex and East Anglia YPN would like to invite you to their following joint event with the University of East Anglia's Engineering society.

Energy Review 2019

21-03-2019
We would be delighted if you could join us for our annual energy review event with the President of the Energy Institute, Malcolm Brinded CBE FREng FEI.

Design, construction, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of filling stations (known as the Blue Book)

2018
The fourth edition of Design, construction, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of filling stations (also known as the Blue Book) is essential reading for all those involved in the design, construction, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of facilities for the storage and dispens...

Guidance on conceptual design, selection and life cycle assurance of products intended to improve integrity of bases of above-ground storage tanks holding petroleum, petroleum products or other fuels

2018
This publication is intended primarily for use by process safety specialists, designers, inspectors, regulators and operators and owners of facilities holding bulk stores of petroleum, petroleum products or other fuels in above-ground storage tanks (ASTs).The information provided in this public...

Fuels for gas turbine engines

2018
Published by Landfall Press; Author: Eric Goodger. Please note that an erratum was issued in December 2018 for this publication, it is available for download and present in the full PDF. This change has been incorporated into the full PDF.Since its emergence during WW2 as a viable alternative t...

Guidelines for the uplift of petroleum, petroleum products and other fuels from retail filling stations and customers' tanks

2018
These guidelines have been prepared on the basis that most product uplift operations are outsourced to specialist uplift contractors by clients who encounter them infrequently. For the former, they identify hazards and necessary control measures, including specifications for appropriate equipment, a...

IP Standard Test Methods for analysis and testing of petroleum and related products, and British Standard 2000 Parts, 2018

2018
IP Standard test methods (STM) is an essential part of any quality control regime for petroleum testing laboratories. A necessary tool for the national and international testing of petroleum and petroleum products, the 2018 version of IP Standard Test Methods also enables laboratories to provide ev...