The world's total coal consumption is expected to reach a record level for the third year in a row when the figures from 2024 are calculated. This is according to the UN's International Energy Agency (IEA), which, among other things, monitors coal combustion on a global scale. The AFP news agency writes on Wednesday based on a newly published report from the energy agency.
Burning coal is one of the most polluting ways to generate electricity. Scientists have warned for decades about the effects of burning coal - including air pollution and climate change.
Combustion emits greenhouse gases, which make it harder for the Earth to give off its heat. This causes the temperature to rise, which can have major consequences for, among other things, ocean currents and weather systems.
Despite an increased global focus on limiting global warming by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels - including coal - the consumption of coal has only increased.
Has not peaked yet
And according to the IEA's forecasts, coal consumption has not peaked yet. According to the agency's report, coal consumption is expected to reach its highest level in 2027 and then probably fall again.
However, further development depends on China's coal consumption. Over the past 25 years, China has used 30 percent more coal than the rest of the world combined, the IEA writes in its report.
The consumption of coal in China is largely related to China's demand for electricity. Although China has increased its production of sustainable energy through solar cells and wind turbines, China - like the world as a whole - is expected to use a record amount of coal in 2024.
In addition to China, it is primarily other emerging economies such as India and Indonesia that are driving coal consumption. This is offsetting a decline in coal consumption, which is otherwise seen in the EU countries and the US. Coal consumption in the EU is expected to fall by 12 percent in 2024 and five percent on the other side of the Atlantic in the US.
The EU's climate observer, Copernicus, stated earlier this month that 2024 will most likely be the warmest year on record.
/ritzau/
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