China coal consumption data throw 2014's global CO2 stall into question

Recent data on China’s coal consumption raises doubts as to whether the country’s economic growth and carbon emissions from energy use has indeed occurred, Reuters reported, citing statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics. A May report by the bureau not posted online showed coal consumption last year edged up 0.06% from 2013, which would lift global emissions from a flat line to a rise of about 0.5%, roughly in line with a June estimate by oil company BP. The report undermines claims by the International Energy Agency and environmental groups that cuts in carbon use need not necessarily hamper economic growth. (For a critical look at China’s CO2 outlook see CER’s in-depth series.)