Coal emissions per capita on the rise in G20 countries, reveals alarming report.
G20 under pressure: coal emissions on the rise despite efforts
According to a report published by think-tank Ember, per capita coal pollution continues to rise in the G20 countries, which are responsible for 80% of global energy-related emissions. Despite the efforts of some member countries, per capita carbon emissions in the G20 will rise by 9% between 2015 and 2022.
Countries like Britain, Germany and the USA have managed to reduce their per capita emissions, while Indonesia has seen a 56% increase since 2015. Ember’s report highlights the rise in coal-related CO2 emissions per capita in the G20. While some countries have succeeded in reducing their overall emissions, others, such as Indonesia, have seen a significant increase. South Korea and Australia are also identified as major emitters of coal per capita in 2022.
G20 urged to drastically reduce coal emissions by 2030
According to the IPCC, coal-fired power plants must reduce their emissions by 70-90% within eight years, but many G20 countries have yet to define a clear strategy for achieving this. Although wind and solar power are helping to reduce coal emissions in many countries, this is not enough to meet the growing demand for electricity in emerging countries, explains the report. Ember calls on G20 members to draw up a plan to triple the use of renewable energies by 2030 and gradually reduce coal-fired power generation.
Why it matters
Growing per capita coal emissions in G20 countries are a cause for concern, as they contribute to climate change. Concerted action is needed to reduce these emissions and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly renewable energies. This is important from an environmental, economic and energy point of view.
