Greenpeace presentation at CoalTrans Asia 2003
At the recent annual CoalTrans Asia 2003 gathering, Greenpeace called on the world's largest coal companies to act against the threat of global warming.
Coal accounts for over 40% of the world's annual carbon emissions. In the 20 years between 1973 and 1993, coal use around the globe rose by 36%.
The highest increase in coal consumption was in Asia - in the same period it rose by a massive 162%. In contrast, coal use in Europe registered only a 6% growth.
Scientists have identified Southeast Asia as one of the regions most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. Yet the coal industry plans to further expand into the region. Coal imports in Southeast Asia are expected to rise by 14% per year.
