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5 Things to Know Today: Oil Tops $100, Tariffs Take Effect, TSX Slides — Sept 9

  September 9, 2026 Here's what's moving markets and your wallet today — from a fresh oil shock to a stock that just had its worst week in months. 1. Oil Tops $100 a Barrel for the First Time Since July Brent crude broke back above $100 a barrel overnight after Houthi drones and missiles struck Saudi Aramco energy facilities in Jazan, Abha and Najran, wounding more than 70 people and halting operations at several sites. The attacks followed U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers over the weekend, deepening a Middle East conflict now in its seventh month. What it means for you: Ottawa's fuel excise tax pause (extended to Jan. 31, 2027) is holding, but it can't offset a rising crude price — CAA's national average sits at 179.9¢/L today, up from 170.5¢/L just five weeks ago. If your tank is low, fill it before this keeps climbing. 2. TSX Slides for a Second Straight Day The S&P/TSX Composite closed Tuesday at 36,123.05, down 390.75 points (-1.07%), its second consecu...

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Global Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Reach Unprecedented Levels in 2023

 

In a concerning development, global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) surged to a record high last year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that these emissions rose by 410 million tonnes, representing a 1.1% increase, bringing the total to 37.4 billion tonnes.

Several factors contributed to this alarming trend:

  1. Fossil Fuel Use in Drought-Affected Regions: Countries grappling with droughts faced challenges in hydropower production. As a result, they turned to fossil fuels, exacerbating emissions.
  2. China’s Economic Reopening: China’s economy rebounded, leading to increased energy demand and subsequent emissions.
  3. Renewables and Electric Vehicles: While clean technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles helped curb emissions growth, other factors offset these gains.

Scientists emphasize that steep cuts in CO2 emissions are essential to meet global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Without rapid reductions, we risk runaway climate change. The challenge lies in swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing sustainable alternatives.

Regional Trends

  • United States: Energy-related emissions fell by 4.1%, primarily driven by reductions in the electricity sector.
  • European Union: Emissions dropped by nearly nine per cent due to increased renewable power generation and decreased coal and gas power.
  • China: Despite contributing significantly to solar, wind, and electric vehicle additions, China’s emissions rose by 5.2% as it recovered from COVID-19-related lockdowns.

Globally, electric vehicles accounted for one in five new car sales in 2023, reaching 14 million—a remarkable 35% increase compared to 2022.

The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated. Our collective efforts must focus on sustainable energy sources and innovative solutions to combat climate change. 

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