Global emissions were unchanged at 33 gigatonnes in 2019 even as the world GDP grew by 2.9%. Increased wind, solar power, natural gas power and higher nuclear power output in developed countries offset increased emissions in emerging countries.
* coal CO2 emission declined by about 200 million tonnes (Mt). This was -1.3%.
* advanced economies emissions declined by 370 Mt (or 3.2%) and the power sector was the reason for 85% of the drop
* Milder weather reduced emissions by around 150 Mt and weak global economic growth also played a role
* The average CO2 emissions intensity of electricity generation declined by nearly 6.5% in 2019, a rate three times faster than the average over the past decade.
Factors are continuing 2020 as well. China, India and Asia are still having weaker economic growth in 2020. There is a lot of slowdown from the coronavirus.
The test will be what happens in 2021 or later when China, India and the rest of Asia have stronger economic growth.