Climate & Environment

Climate study says Africa could gain from fossil fuel exit

Researchers at the Potsdam Institute found countries most exposed to a fossil fuel shift produce just 6% of global output.

By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .

This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .

What happened

A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) examines how countries would fare as the world moves away from oil, gas and coal. It finds countries highly vulnerable to that shift generate just 6% of global economic output, while African countries stand to benefit from their solar energy potential. It also identifies 19 countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel revenues that could oppose ambitious climate action.

Why it matters

The 19 heavily dependent countries could resist ambitious climate goals. The study also suggests the U.S., China and the EU share an economic interest in climate action, despite a gap between their economic interests and their global influence.

Timeline

  1. Oct 15, 5:00 AM ET: Analysis finds countries highly vulnerable to a fossil fuel phaseout account for 6% of global output.
  2. Oct 15, 2:42 PM ET: The Potsdam Institute identifies 19 countries heavily dependent on oil, gas and coal revenues that could oppose climate action.
  3. Oct 17, 4:41 AM ET: A new study maps which countries gain and lose from climate action, showing the U.S., China and EU share a surprising economic interest.

Coverage

More from Climate & Environment

All Climate & Environment news · Climate & Environment story archive