Carbon dioxide emissions fell 5.5% in 2020 because of the pandemic

Carbon dioxide emissions in Brazil fell by 5.5% in 2020. The decrease was driven by lower demand for fossil fuels, especially from air transport and automobiles, because of the covid-19 pandemic. fall was 405 million tons last year. Renewable sources were not affected. Total energy demand dropped 2.2% in the period. The data are from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Here is the full report (2M). The country’s emission record was in 2014, when it reached 485 million tons. According to the ministry, the result was driven by thermoelectric generation of electricity due to the low rainfall combined with high energy demand. Considering that the country is experiencing the biggest water crisis in 91 years and the government has already recommended the activation of all plants of the type –which are more expensive and more polluting– should see an increase in emissions this year. continue reading