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 consu

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.