The International Energy Agency has said that the global demand for coal could reach all-time highs in 2022.

The watchdog said that demand for coal has increased by 9% in 2021 as countries’ economies recover from the multiple lockdowns.

“Coal is the single largest source of global carbon emissions, and this year’s historically high level of coal power generation is a worrying sign of how far off track the world is in its efforts to put emissions into decline towards net zero,” said Fatih Birol, the IEA executive director.

“Without strong and immediate actions by governments to tackle coal emissions – in a way that is fair, affordable and secure for those affected – we will have little chance, if any at all, of limiting global warming to 1.5C.”

In 2020, coal demand fell by 4% amid the pandemic. However, demand is now increasing as gas prices are record highs and people are demanding coal fuel again.