The IEA says global coal consumption is set to hit a record this year as a surge
in natural gas prices and a strong El Nifio boost air‑conditioning demand. The
agency warns that prospects for LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain
uncertain and could lift coal demand further next year. Although wind and solar
capacity is expanding, renewables are not yet sufficient to reverse coal use
amid rising global power demand. The IEA cautions that without a substantial
decline in fossil‑fuel consumption, climate impacts will intensify as the planet
warms.
