Global CO2 emissions have risen by around 64% since 1995, despite climate conferences and billions in spending.

Omissions

• The 64% figure applies to fossil CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry; it excludes land-use change. Total CO2 emissions including land-use change rose by a smaller percentage since 1995.
• The endpoint used for the 64% figure is 2024. By the session date in October 2026, 2025 data were available showing a further ~1.1% rise, so the cumulative increase by 2025 is closer to 66-68%.
• The phrase 'despite climate conferences and billions in spending' is a political interpretation; the emissions statistic alone does not establish that climate conferences or spending had no effect.

Sources

• PrimaryGlobal Carbon Budget 2024The 2024 Global Carbon Budget projects fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 37.4 billion tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023; this is about 64% above the 1995 level.
• PrimaryFriedlingstein et al., Global Carbon Budget 2024, Earth System Science DataPreliminary data for 2024 suggest an increase in EFOS relative to 2023 of +0.8 % (−0.2 % to 1.7 %) globally.
• PrimaryIEA Global Energy Review 2025 – CO2 EmissionsTotal energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 0.8% in 2024, hitting an all-time high of 37.8 Gt CO2.
• PrimaryGlobal Carbon Budget homepageGlobal carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high.
• SecondaryCarbon Brief – Analysis: Global CO2 emissions will reach new high in 2024 despite slower growthCarbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and cement will rise around 0.8% in 2024, reaching a record 37.4bn tonnes of CO2 (GtCO2).