Global Coal Demand
By Thobeka Makume
In 2024, global coal consumption reached unprecedented levels, coinciding with the hottest year ever recorded, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This surge in coal use underscores the persistent challenges in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, despite international efforts to combat climate change.
Record-Breaking Coal Consumption
The IEA’s “Coal 2024” report indicates that global coal demand has reached an all-time high, marking the third consecutive year of increased consumption. This trend is largely driven by the escalating electricity needs of major emerging economies, particularly in Asia, where over 80% of coal consumption occurs. China and India remain the largest consumers and producers of coal, with China alone accounting for 56% of global demand. 
Despite significant investments in renewable energy sources, the rapid growth in electricity demand has outpaced the expansion of cleaner alternatives. This has led to a continued dependence on coal, the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, thereby complicating global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2024: The Hottest Year on Record
Concurrently, 2024 has been confirmed as the warmest year since records began. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the global average surface air temperature from January to September 2024 was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. 
This alarming milestone highlights the accelerating pace of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Regions worldwide have experienced severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires, all exacerbated by rising global temperatures.
The Paradox of Coal Dependency
The simultaneous rise in coal consumption and global temperatures presents a paradox in the fight against climate change. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are expanding rapidly, they have not yet achieved the scale required to meet the growing global energy demand. This shortfall has led countries to continue relying on coal to bridge the energy gap.
In some regions, efforts to phase out coal have been overshadowed by the need to address immediate energy security concerns. For instance, while the United Kingdom has closed its last remaining coal-fired power station, global coal consumption remains at record levels due to increased use in developing countries. 
Implications for Climate Policy
The persistent reliance on coal poses significant challenges to achieving international climate goals. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. However, the current trajectory of coal consumption and greenhouse gas emissions jeopardizes these targets.
The IEA’s report suggests that without substantial policy interventions and accelerated deployment of clean energy technologies, global coal demand could continue to rise, further exacerbating climate change impacts. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to transition away from coal and invest in sustainable energy solutions.
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