Report Shows Emissions Drop in Key Sectors

The annual greenhouse gas emissions report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that the electricity and transportation sectors recorded in 2025 the largest percentage reduction in emissions in three decades — a combined drop of 8.4% compared to the previous year, driven primarily by the expansion of solar and wind generation and the acceleration of the electric vehicle fleet in the largest global markets.

The Numbers by Sector

The electricity sector led the reduction, with an 11.2% drop in global emissions. The combination of new renewable energy projects with accelerated closure of coal plants in Europe and Asia was decisive. China, responsible for over 30% of the sector's global emissions, recorded a record solar capacity growth of 380 GW installed in a single year, sufficient to offset the increase in industrial demand and still reduce coal's share of the electricity mix.

In the transportation sector, electric vehicle penetration in new registrations surpassed 25% globally for the first time — with Europe at 42%, China at 51%, and the US at 18%. Brazil recorded an expressive 340% growth in electric vehicle registrations compared to 2022, although the base is still small relative to the total fleet.

What Still Needs to Advance

The report is clear in noting that the drop in emissions from these sectors is not sufficient to meet the Paris Agreement targets. The heavy industry, aviation, and livestock sectors showed no significant reductions and remain the main obstacles to a trajectory compatible with the 1.5°C warming limit. The IEA recommends as an urgent priority the development of low-carbon technologies for steel, cement, and fertilizer production — sectors where direct electrification is technically challenging in the current horizon.