news.sky.com
Global Coal Use to Hit Record High in 2024
Global coal demand is set to hit a record 8.77 billion tonnes in 2024, driven by increased demand in Asia, particularly in China and India, despite warnings about environmental damage. The IEA predicts this high level will continue for three years.
- What are the primary factors driving the unprecedented increase in global coal consumption in 2024, and what are the immediate consequences?
- Global coal consumption is projected to reach a record 8.77 billion tonnes in 2024, driven by increased demand in Asia, particularly China and India. This surge in coal use, despite environmental concerns, is expected to persist for the next three years.
- How do the contrasting trends of rising coal demand in Asia and increasing renewable energy adoption globally affect the overall energy landscape?
- China's coal consumption is anticipated to grow by 1% in 2024, reaching 4.9 billion tonnes, exceeding the rest of the world's combined consumption. Simultaneously, India's coal demand is expected to rise by over 5%, surpassing the combined consumption of the EU and US. This increase offsets growth in renewable energy sources.
- What are the long-term implications of continued, albeit potentially temporary, reliance on coal for electricity generation, considering the global commitment to reducing carbon emissions?
- While renewable energy expansion is projected to decrease coal use in the long term, short-term trends indicate a continued reliance on coal, mainly due to weather patterns and rapidly growing electricity demands in Asia. China's accelerated investment in wind, solar, and nuclear power suggests a potential reduction in coal reliance in the coming years.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraph emphasize the record-high coal usage, immediately setting a negative tone. While the article later mentions the growth of renewables and China's investment in clean energy, the initial framing prioritizes the negative aspect of increased coal consumption, potentially influencing the reader's overall perception.
Language Bias
While the article uses mostly neutral language, phrases like "carbon-heavy resource" and "the harm that burning fossil fuels does to the planet" carry a slightly negative connotation. More neutral alternatives could include 'fossil fuel' and 'environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel combustion'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on China and India's coal consumption, but omits discussion of coal consumption and production in other major countries. This omission could create a skewed perception of global coal use and its impact. Additionally, the article mentions the growth of renewables but does not quantify its current contribution to the global energy mix, which is a relevant piece of context missing for a complete picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by highlighting the increase in coal use alongside the growth in renewables without fully exploring the complexities of the energy transition. It suggests a simple opposition between coal and renewables, rather than acknowledging the potential for a mixed-energy system in the near future.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a record high in global coal consumption, driven by increased demand in Asia. This surge in coal use directly contradicts efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in coal consumption, particularly in China and India, undermines global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and limit global warming.