Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading

Energy efficiency improvements reach lowest level in a decade

Data: IEA; Chart: Axios Visuals

Improvements in energy efficiency on a global basis have slowed to their lowest level in a decade, the International Energy Agency said in a new analysis.

Why it matters: The slowdown is another headwind in the fight against climate change, the agency warned.


And the same analysis finds that the pandemic is cutting investments in more efficient buildings, vehicles and equipment.

Where it stands: The chart above shows trends in energy intensity, or energy consumed per unit of activity.

Threat level: IEA called the slowdown "especially worrying" because efficiency gains provide 40% of the emissions cuts over the next 20 years in their "sustainable development" case.

That's a long-term model of an energy system consistent with the aims of the Paris climate deal.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.