The IEA study on the impact of recession on climate change found that carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels had fallen significantly this year, further than in any year in the past four decades. The report further says that it is the opportunity to move away from high-carbon growth.
The recent fall in carbon emissions is mainly due to a decrease in industrial output. Other factors for lower emissions, include plans for new coal-fired power stations being kept on hold because of decline in demand and lack of financing. Government policies to cut carbon emissions have also had an impact on emission levels.
Fatih Birol, chief economist of the IEA, said: “We have a new situation, with the changes in energy demand and the postponement of many energy investments.
“But this only has meaning if we can make use of this unique window of opportunity. (That means) a deal in Copenhagen.”
Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the December 2009 meeting in Copenhagen aims to consider actions for effectively tackling carbon emissions.
