The world’s consumption of coal as a power source will grow further until at least 2040 if no targeted action is taken to dissuade developing countries from commissioning new coal plants, and to ensure that regions depending on the coal sector have alternative economic prospects, according to Clean Energy Wire.

“It’s key that countries which so far are not using coal power do not start using this technology now,” Germany’s environment minister Svenja Schulze said at the UN climate summit COP25 in Madrid. Coal-fired power production and industry’s use of the fossil energy source account for roughly 30 percent of the world’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, the German environment ministry (BMU) stated, adding that while investments in coal decreased in recent years, about 170 gigawatts (GW) of capacity are currently under construction.

According to the ministry, coal consumption is set to rise significantly in India and throughout Southeast Asia, compensating the decrease occurring in China, Europe and the US. “Demand for coal will not sink without further measures,” the BMU said.