Wealthy nations are proving that they’re ready to ditch coal.

At the G7 meeting in Italy this week, energy ministers from some of the highest-emitting countries reached a deal to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030-2035. And just last week on April 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized strong new pollution standards for coal plants and new natural gas facilities, requiring plants to capture nearly all their carbon emissions by 2032 or cease operations.  

While many nations have reduced their coal use in recent years, rapid, sustained reduction is needed to avert the climate crisis. Some countries are proving it’s possible to do so without compromising power generation. WRI analysis shows that Greece and the U.K. achieved the fastest coal reductions globally, while Portugal has already cut coal use entirely. WRI experts highlight the 10 countries cutting coal the quickest and what we can learn from their progress. Read more.

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California has a reputation as America’s greenest state and a global pioneer for climate policy. But the state is also still a fossil fuel production powerhouse, with the third-largest crude oil refining capacity in the U.S. With a legal requirement to cut 85% of its emissions by 2045, what will that mean for California’s thousands of workers, communities and families that rely on the oil refining industry? Read more.

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With urban populations growing, so is air pollution from cars, trucks and buses. That’s why some cities are experimenting with zero-emission zones. Oslo, Shenzhen, Los Angeles and a handful of others are restricting gas-powered vehicles’ access to certain parts of the city in order to boost walking, biking and electric vehicle use. Read more.

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Countries are currently in the process of setting new climate plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). NDCs are the main vehicle for nations to collectively confront climate change, yet to date they’ve fallen well short of achieving the emissions reductions needed. A five-point plan can guide the next generation of NDCs. Read more.