Still too many sectors emitting high CO2 and not enough cooperation, according to a report

Some 48 countries committed during the 2021 climate conference to collaborate in order to make virtuous technologies more accessible in the sectors that are among the most emitting: electricity, land transport, steel, hydrogen, agriculture and, since this year, construction and public works. cement.

But over the past year "only modest progress has been made towards greater international collaboration in the sectors most needed," notes the 2nd annual report, produced under the aegis of the International Agency. of energy (IEA).

However, “increased international cooperation in these sectors will be crucial to get on the path” to warming limited to 1,5°C compared to the pre-industrial era.

These seven sectors represent more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions.

In fact, technologies are experiencing unprecedented growth: electric vehicles (18% of sales of individual cars in 2023, but concentrated in the EU, China and the United States), photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, etc. Investment in clean energy now exceeds spending on fossil fuels.

But other sectors "are not 'transitioning' fast enough", the report adds, citing steel, hydrogen and agriculture.

“Governments must strengthen their collaboration on key points: standards and regulations, technical and financial support, research and development, the creation of markets, in order to put the turbo into action,” call the IEA, the international agency for Renewable Energy (Irena) and high-level representatives of COP27 and COP28.

In agriculture, for example, progress has been “minimal” in terms of standards, financing and commercial relations, and ultimately emissions remain on an upward path.

In steel, low-carbon factories have been announced, although far from the objective of 100 million tonnes per year needed by 2030. Progress has been "modest", with financial and technical assistance funds for developing countries, notes the report, which calls for supporting demand and sharing new know-how as soon as possible.

“Increased political commitment is needed, in order to move from soft forms of collaboration – for example the sharing of good practices – to more tangible forms such as alignment of standards.”

For Mahmoud Mohieldin, high UN climate representative for COP27, “we need to see more collective efforts in favor of demand, investments and to align international trade with a just transition”.