World Energy Consumption Remains Dominated by Fossil Fuels

**Title: The Dominance of Fossil Fuels in Global Energy Consumption – A Critical Analysis**

—

According to the groundbreaking *Statistical Review of World Energy* report released by the reputable Energy Institute, fossil fuels accounted for a staggering 82% of the world’s energy consumption last year[^1^]. This comprehensive analysis, conducted in collaboration with KPMG and Kearney, sheds light on the prevailing trends in energy markets globally. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind power displayed impressive growth, they only contributed a mere 7.5% to the overall energy consumption[^1^].

The report highlights that the demand for energy surged by 1% in 2022, with fossil fuels stepping up to meet the rising requirements[^1^]. Notably, the consumption and production of oil witnessed an upswing last year, signifying its continued prominence in the global energy landscape[^1^]. Despite concerted efforts to transition towards cleaner alternatives, coal consumption persisted, growing by 0.6% in 2022, primarily driven by China and India[^1^]. Furthermore, global coal production jumped by 7%[^1^]. Regrettably, the increased utilization of fossil fuels has led to a concerning spike in planet-heating pollution, reaching an all-time high in 2022[^1^].

While solar power generation witnessed an impressive growth of 25% and wind power increased by 13.5% compared to the previous year, renewable energy sources, excluding hydropower, still accounted for a meager 7.5% of the world’s energy consumption[^1^]. These statistics underscore the urgent need for a more rapid and widespread adoption of clean energy alternatives. Failure to do so will impede progress towards meeting the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement, where countries have committed to cutting planet-heating emissions by 43% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels[^1^][^2^].

It is crucial for governments and policymakers to reassess their priorities and inject greater urgency into the global energy transition. The statistics provided in this report should serve as a clarion call to address the pressing concerns surrounding fossil fuels and the imminent threats posed by global warming and pollution[^1^]. As Simon Burley, Vice Chair and Head of Energy and Natural Resources at consultancy KPMG stated, “We are still heading in the opposite direction to that required by the Paris agreement”[^1^].

As concerned individuals striving for a sustainable future, we need to collectively work towards a greener and cleaner energy landscape. By actively embracing renewable energy alternatives and reducing our reliance on heavily polluting fossil fuels, we can help mitigate the risk of irreversible ecological damage and safeguard our planet from catastrophic climate change[^1^][^2^].

—

References:
[^1^]: [Statistical Review of World Energy report](https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/energy-economics/statistical-review-of-world-energy.html)
[^2^]: [The Paris Agreement](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement)

According to the Statistical Review of World Energy report, released by the Energy Institute, fossil fuels made up 82% of the world’s energy consumption last year. Oil, coal, and gas saw an increase in consumption and production. Meanwhile, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power only made up 7.5% of energy consumption.