The World Coal Association (WCA) has called for governments worldwide to show a genuine commitment to widening the deployment of all low emission technologies, in order to meet global energy needs and make significant cuts in CO2 emissions.

Speaking in response to the call made by President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, in coordination with Greenpeace, for a moratorium on all new coal mines, Benjamin Sporton, the WCA’s Chief Executive, stated: “President Tong highlights the global challenge we face in reducing emissions from our energy use and we appreciate his concerns. However, the most effective way in which we can meet global energy needs and make significant cuts in CO2 emissions is to focus on widening the deployment of all low emission technologies”.

“For many countries, the reality is that the only way they can meet their growing energy needs is through affordable, readily available coal. 1.3 billion people live in energy poverty. 2.7 billion people do not have clean cooking facilities and rely on dung and wood. Coal plays a critical role in bringing affordable, reliable electricity to hundreds of millions of people in developing and emerging economies, particularly across Asia.

Tags: The World Coal Association (WCA)