The Temperature Record

2023 was the warmest year on record, with global average temperature 1.45°C above the pre-industrial baseline — dangerously close to the 1.5°C threshold set in the Paris Agreement. Every month from June through December 2023 set a new monthly temperature record.

Emissions in 2023

Global CO2 emissions from energy and industry reached 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, essentially flat compared to 2022 despite economic growth. Renewable energy deployment absorbed additional electricity demand in many markets, preventing a larger increase.

Extreme Weather Costs

Economic losses from extreme weather events exceeded $250 billion in 2023, with insured losses reaching $95 billion. The El Nino event contributed to droughts, wildfires, and flooding across multiple continents simultaneously.

Clean Energy Progress

Against this backdrop, clean energy deployment hit record levels. Solar capacity additions exceeded 400 GW in 2023, more than all other power technologies combined. Wind added 116 GW. The share of renewables in global electricity generation reached 30% for the first time.