FCC

G20 Per Capita coal emissions surge despite climate pledges

2023-09-06

New research revealed that despite climate commitments and transition efforts by select G20 member nations, per capita coal emissions within the group continue to surge. The G20, whose leaders are set to convene in New Delhi this upcoming weekend, collectively contributes to 80 per cent of global power sector emissions. However, during discussions held in July, the group failed to reach a consensus on the necessity for global emissions to peak by 2025 or to significantly scale up the adoption of renewable energy sources.

According to a report published by Ember, an energy-focused thinktank advocating for renewable energy, per capita coal emissions within the G20 increased by nine per cent between 2015 and 2022. Notably, twelve G20 member countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, managed to achieve substantial reductions in per capita emissions. Conversely, several other nations, such as the host country India, Indonesia, and China, experienced a rise in their emissions.

Indonesia, despite receiving $20 billion in pledges from wealthy nations last year to transition away from coal, saw a staggering 56 per cent increase in per capita emissions from this energy source since 2015. The report also highlighted that even those countries that succeeded in reducing their emissions continue to emit significantly more per capita than the global average.