Global coal consumption reaches record high despite renewable energy surge

Worldwide coal usage achieved unprecedented levels during 2024 despite accelerated renewable energy adoption, according to the latest State of Climate Action assessment.

The report determined that while renewable sources claimed greater electricity generation share, overall power demand expansion drove increased coal consumption that continues endangering international climate objectives.

The comprehensive analysis determined greenhouse gas emissions maintain their upward trajectory despite renewable sector expansion, placing nations increasingly behind established emission reduction targets.

Research associate Clea Schumer at the World Resources Institute revealed: “There’s no doubt that we are largely doing the right things but we are just not moving fast enough regarding coal phase-out efforts.”

Schumer expressed unequivocally that: ''We simply will not limit warming to 1.5C if coal use keeps breaking records,'' and highlighted how fossil-reliant power systems create damaging, cascading and knock-on effects.

The assessment specifically cautioned that record-breaking coal dependence directly threatens the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit.

While renewable generation demonstrated “exponential” growth with solar becoming “the fastest-growing power source in history,” the report determined annual solar and wind expansion rates must double to achieve necessary emission reductions.

Senior researcher Sophie Boehm acknowledged certain nations’ clean energy opposition creates challenges but noted “the broader transition is much bigger than any one country” as emerging economies increasingly recognize renewable power as their most economical development pathway.

The analysis further identified concerning deforestation rates with over 8 million hectares permanently destroyed during 2024, requiring nine-fold acceleration in forest protection efforts, as the Guardian reported.

These findings emerge weeks before global leaders convene in Brazil for COP30 climate negotiations where inadequate national emission reduction plans will necessitate urgent policy enhancements.