A look at the numbers shows that the U.S. has slashed its coal use and cut its total greenhouse emissions more than any country in the G-7.
Why, despite the urgency of dealing with climate change, aren't more countries making big cuts to their emissions? The most succinct explanation can be had by understanding what Roger Pielke Jr. has dubbed the Iron Law of Climate Policy: "When policies on emissions reductions collide with policies focused on economic growth, economic growth will win out every time."
To be sure, the growth in global coal consumption is slowing.
Over the past decade, six countries - Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India - have all seen dramatic increases in coal consumption.
As coal consumption in those countries has grown, so too have incomes.
Germany's continuing reliance on coal has meant that the country - which has the largest economy in Europe - has not come close to achieving the emissions cuts targeted under the Energiewende, the name for the country's plan to overhaul its energy and power systems.
Therein lies the rub: When it comes to economic growth and energy consumption, the members of the G-7, as well as other countries around the world, aren't looking in the same direction.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/08/g-7-meeting-climate-action-no-agreement/
Why, despite the urgency of dealing with climate change, aren't more countries making big cuts to their emissions? The most succinct explanation can be had by understanding what Roger Pielke Jr. has dubbed the Iron Law of Climate Policy: "When policies on emissions reductions collide with policies focused on economic growth, economic growth will win out every time."
To be sure, the growth in global coal consumption is slowing.
Over the past decade, six countries - Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India - have all seen dramatic increases in coal consumption.
As coal consumption in those countries has grown, so too have incomes.
Germany's continuing reliance on coal has meant that the country - which has the largest economy in Europe - has not come close to achieving the emissions cuts targeted under the Energiewende, the name for the country's plan to overhaul its energy and power systems.
Therein lies the rub: When it comes to economic growth and energy consumption, the members of the G-7, as well as other countries around the world, aren't looking in the same direction.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/08/g-7-meeting-climate-action-no-agreement/
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