SINGAPORE - The global coal industry must shift to a model that cuts emissions and helps drive economic development if the sector, which is responsible for the largest portion of carbon pollution, is to remain relevant as climate concerns grow, a leading coal body said on Monday.
From production to transporting the fuel to burning it in power plants and steel and cement plants, the coal industry must clean up its act, she said. And any new investments must be more efficient and shift towards capturing planet-warming carbon emissions, she added, referring to carbon capture, utilisation and storage of emissions, or CCUS.
It is a view shared by WCA chairman July Ndlovu, who is also chief executive of South African coal miner Thungela. The IPCC, the United Nations climate science panel, and organisations such as the International Energy Agency , say phasing out coal is one of the most important steps needed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.