The climate crisis requires urgent action. To avoid the worst effects, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2015 and then start falling by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

The energy sector is responsible for some two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, including upwards of 60% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Coal is the largest single source of CO2 emissions and the most carbon intensive of all fossil fuels. Yet world governments are planning to build hundreds of coal power plants in the next decade. If such plans go ahead it will be impossible for governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to seriously tackle climate change.