In January 2025, global temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, with the Copernicus Climate Change Service reporting an average surface air temperature 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels. This alarming milestone underscores the urgency of limiting warming to the 1.5°C threshold established by the Paris Agreement to avert catastrophic climate impacts.
Contradicting global efforts to mitigate climate change, China has significantly increased its coal-fired power capacity. In 2024, the nation initiated construction of coal power plants totaling 94.5 gigawatts (GW), the highest addition since 2015. This surge raises concerns about China’s commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030, as the expansion of coal infrastructure may lock in high emissions for decades.
The juxtaposition of China’s coal expansion with the recent record-breaking global temperatures highlights a critical disconnect between current policies and the urgent need for climate action. Surpassing the 1.5°C threshold increases the risk of triggering irreversible climate tipping points, such as the collapse of major ice sheets and loss of biodiversity, leading to severe consequences for ecosystems and human societies worldwide.
To align with the 1.5°C target, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 and decline by 43% by 2030. China’s continued reliance on coal power not only jeopardizes its own climate commitments but also poses a significant challenge to global efforts aimed at preventing the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Reports indicate that this January ranks as the third-largest monthly temperature anomaly above pre-industrial levels. Notably, Europe experienced its second-hottest January ever, despite below-average temperatures in regions such as Iceland, the UK, Ireland, northern France, and parts of Scandinavia.
The persistence of record-breaking warmth, even amidst La Niña conditions—which typically contribute to global cooling—has heightened concerns about the accelerating pace of climate change. Experts warn that this trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.
The only viable path to halting further warming lies in large-scale investment in renewable energy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), electricity from renewables must underpin our future energy system, as renewable power can immediately and significantly reduce global CO₂ emissions. Companies such as Ørsted and Vestas Wind Systems are expanding offshore wind projects, while ITM Power and Ceres Power are advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to provide cleaner alternatives. Investment funds like Gresham House Energy Storage Fund and Harmony Energy Income Trust are directing capital into large-scale battery storage solutions, essential for stabilizing renewable energy integration into the grid. Without these critical investments in sustainable energy infrastructure, global temperatures will continue to rise, leading to more extreme climate consequences.
The unexpected intensity of January’s heat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the critical importance of advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.
