Global Coal Use Hits Record High Amid Renewable Energy Growth

In 2024, global coal consumption reached an unprecedented high, despite significant advancements in renewable energy sources. The annual "State of Climate Action" report, published by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and other climate organizations, highlights that while the share of coal in electricity generation has decreased, overall coal usage has surged due to rising power demands. This trend poses serious challenges to global efforts aimed at limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The GuardianSWI - Swissinfo.chForbesChina DailyTo do or not to do

The report indicates that countries are falling short of their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, with emissions continuing to rise, albeit at a slower rate. Clea Schumer, a research associate at WRI, emphasized that "we are largely doing the right things—we are just not moving fast enough." The report warns that if coal consumption continues to break records, achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be increasingly difficult.

The Guardian

Renewable energy generation has seen exponential growth, particularly in solar power, which has become the fastest-growing energy source globally. However, the report stresses that the annual growth rates of solar and wind energy must double to meet the necessary emissions cuts by the end of the decade.

SWI - Swissinfo.ch

Critics argue that the pace of transition to renewable energy is alarmingly inadequate. The report identifies that while some progress is being made, nearly 30 out of 45 indicators of climate action are "well off track." For instance, the steel sector's carbon intensity has increased, and electrification of road transport, although improving, is not sufficient to offset rising emissions from other sectors.

BackChannel

The report's authors call for urgent action, stating that the world needs to phase out coal power generation more than ten times faster than current rates. Kelly Levin from the Bezos Earth Fund noted that while there has been progress, it is "not nearly fast enough for what's needed for 2030 and beyond." The upcoming COP30 UN climate summit in Brazil will be crucial for countries to present their updated national plans for emissions reductions, but initial assessments suggest these plans will be inadequate.

Forbes

There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of current policies. While some nations, like China and India, continue to invest heavily in coal, others are making strides in renewable energy. For example, China is reportedly building new coal power plants even as it leads in renewable installations. This dual approach raises questions about the global commitment to phasing out fossil fuels.

The Guardian

As the world prepares for the COP30 summit, the focus will be on how countries respond to the findings of the report and whether they can align their national policies with the urgent need for emissions reductions. The effectiveness of these responses will be critical in determining the trajectory of global climate action in the coming years.

The Guardian

• “The message on this is crystal clear. We simply will not limit warming to 1.5C if coal use keeps breaking records.” — Clea Schumer, Research Associate, World Resources Institute

The Guardian

• “All systems are flashing red,” — Clea Schumer, Research Associate, World Resources Institute

BackChannel

• “The question is not whether change can happen, it's really whether we can make it happen in time,” — Kelly Levin, Chief of Science, Data and Systems Change, Bezos Earth Fund

Forbes