Fossil Fuel Production Will Double in 2030, says UNEP

A new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) proclaimed that although 151 national governments have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, they are actually contributing to a doubling of production in 2030. Forecasts suggest that global coal, oil, and gas demand will peak in this decade, even without new policies. Government plans would increase global coal production until 2030, while global oil and gas production would grow until at least 2050. 

The research conducted by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the UNEP urges countries to aim for a near total phasing out of coal production and use by 2040. The report also calls for at least a 75% reduction in oil and gas production by 2050, compared with 2020 levels. Even though 17 of the 20 countries featured in the report have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, none have committed to reduce coal, oil, and gas production that correlates with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow 2 years ago involved governments agreeing to accelerate efforts towards “the phasedown of unabated coal power”, but the production and use of fossil fuels has still reached immensely high levels.

The report co-authors agree that governments with a greater ability to transition away from fossil fuels should aim for more ambitious reductions and help support transition efforts in countries that don’t have as many resources. The UN Chief believes that at COP28, world leaders must send a clear signal that “the fossil fuel age is out of gas - that its end is inevitable.” Commitments to ramp up renewable resources, phase out fossil fuels and boost energy efficiency is necessary to safeguard a just and equitable transition.