During the COP26 conference, 40 nations committed to gradually phasing out coal from their energy sources. However, despite these international agreements, coal-fired electricity generation reached record highs worldwide in 2021. This underscores the complexity and challenges associated with eliminating coal from the global energy mix.
The infographic presented here illustrates the ambitious and rapid phase-out of coal power that would be necessary to achieve net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
This analysis, conducted by Ember using data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), highlights the urgency and scale of action required to address coal’s contribution to carbon emissions and advance towards a sustainable energy future.
Low-cost comes at a high environmental cost
The year 2021 witnessed a significant increase of 9.0% in coal-powered electricity generation, reaching a total of 10,042 terawatt-hours (TWh). This spike represents the largest percentage rise since 1985, and the primary driving factor behind this surge is the affordability of coal as an energy source. Regrettably, this low-cost energy option comes at a substantial environmental cost, as coal stands as the leading contributor to energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally.
China stands out as the world’s largest consumer of coal, accounting for 54% of the world’s coal-based electricity generation. Despite coal’s reduced share in China’s overall energy mix, its consumption in the country surged by 12% between 2010 and 2020. This highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing coal usage, even in regions where coal has become a smaller part of the energy mix in relative terms.
Together, China and India account for 66% of global coal consumption and emit about 35% of the world’s greenhouse gasses (GHG). If you add the United States to the mix, this goes up to 72% of coal consumption and 49% of GHGs.
How urgent is to phase out coal?
According to the United Nations, emissions from current and planned fossil energy infrastructure are already more than twice the amount that would push the planet over 1.5°C of global heating, a level that scientists say could bring more intense heat, fire, storms, flooding, and drought than the present 1.2°C.
Apart from being the largest source of CO2 emissions, coal combustion is also a major threat to public health because of the fine particulate matter released into the air.
As just one example of this impact, a recent study from Harvard University estimates air pollution from fossil fuel combustion is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths globally.
Phasing out coal has become an urgent imperative for several compelling reasons:
- Climate Crisis: Current and planned fossil energy infrastructure is already responsible for emissions that are more than double what is needed to push the planet beyond the critical threshold of 1.5°C of global heating. Crossing this threshold, as warned by scientists, could result in more severe heatwaves, fires, storms, flooding, and drought compared to the already concerning 1.2°C we are experiencing.
- CO2 Emissions: Coal combustion stands as the largest single source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally. Reducing coal usage is crucial to mitigating climate change and achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets.
- Air Quality and Public Health: Coal combustion releases fine particulate matter and pollutants into the air, posing a significant threat to public health. Studies, such as the one from Harvard University, indicate that air pollution from fossil fuel combustion, including coal, contributes to a staggering 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. This underscores the immediate health risks associated with continued coal use.
- Renewable Energy Alternatives: Transitioning away from coal towards renewable energy sources offers cleaner, more sustainable alternatives that can provide reliable power while reducing the harmful environmental and health impacts associated with coal.
In light of these factors, phasing out coal is not only a pressing environmental and health imperative but also a critical step in addressing the global climate crisis. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing our dependence on coal is essential for a healthier, more sustainable future.
The move to renewables
Achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global heating to just 1.5 degrees Celsius, requires a rapid and substantial reduction in coal-powered electricity generation. Specifically, coal generation would need to decrease by 13% annually until 2030 to stay on track.
This substantial shift necessitates an accelerated transition from current carbon-intensive energy pathways to cleaner, renewable sources like wind and solar. The pace at which this transition occurs will be determined by a complex and delicate balance between reducing carbon emissions and sustaining economic growth. Many economies still heavily rely on coal power for their economic activities.
In essence, the challenge lies in finding a way to decouple economic growth from coal-dependent energy sources while aggressively pursuing renewable alternatives. This transition is not only crucial for addressing climate change but also for fostering a sustainable and resilient global economy in the long term. It requires innovative policies, investments, and cooperation among nations to navigate this intricate and vital transformation away from coal.
Source: Analysis by Ember that uses data provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and United Nations IPCC Report 6
