Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Coal emissions worldwide - statistics & facts
The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of rising global temperatures, and no fuel has contributed more to this than coal. Despite being the dirtiest and most polluting fossil fuel, coal remains the largest source of electricity generation worldwide. In fact, coal-fired electricity was responsible for 21 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, making it the largest climate polluter by far. With the world looking to reach climate neutrality by 2050, the transition away from coal use toward clean energy sources will be a key area of focus for global governments going forward.
