Economic lockdowns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic look set to cut global energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions by record amounts, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday. Global energy demand could slump by six per cent in 2020 because of the restrictions placed on homes and industry in what would be the largest contraction in absolute terms on record, according to Paris-based IEA, which advises industrialized nations on energy. Global natural gas demand could fall by around five per cent in 2020 while electricity generation fell by 2.6 per cent in the first quarter. Renewable power generation rose during the period by three per cent with new wind and solar projects coming online. Oil demand fell by five per cent over the first quarter but could ultimately be the worst-hit fuel over 2020, with total demand down as much as nine per cent.

Source: CBC News April 30, 2020 13:41 UTC