Is it possible to reduce CO2 emissions and grow the global economy?

Yale Environment 360: Surprising new statistics show that the world economy is expanding while global carbon emissions remain at the same level. Is it possible that the elusive 'decoupling' of emissions and economic growth could be happening?

The statistic is startling. In the past two years, the global economy has grown by 6.5 percent, but carbon dioxide emissions from energy generation and transport have not grown at all, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last month. CO2 emissions in Europe, the United States, and - most stunningly - China have been falling. What is going on?

These numbers raise a key question of huge importance if nations are to avoid the worst effects of climate change: Is the world on a path toward "decoupling" economic activity from carbon dioxide emissions?