CLIMATE campaigners accused the International Energy Agency (IEA) of “guiding the world towards climate chaos” after its report published today recommends governments increase the production of fossil gas. 

The IEA’s world energy outlook (WEO) 2019 report took a tougher approach to climate change this year than usual but, according to environmental and human rights organisation Global Witness, it continues “to promote massive investment in fossil fuels.” 

Global Witness said in a statement today: “IEA’s forecast for how the world can tackle climate change states that fossil gas production should increase by nearly 10 per cent over the next decade. 

“Despite previous criticism, the IEA is again pushing an expansion in the use of gas when its production and use needs to fall by nearly half over the next decade if the world is to avoid climate breakdown.”

Advocacy group Oil Change International’s programme director Hannah McKinnon said: “WEO 2019 does not offer the reform needed to guide decision makers towards the critical Paris goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. 

“Instead, WEO 2019 continues to feature a catastrophic business-as-usual scenario at its centre, ignore the need for substantial ambition increases in its sustainable development scenario, and chart a course to net zero in 2070 — a full 20 years too late according to the best available science. 

“Without stepping up and making high ambition the centrepiece, the IEA seems to be confirming they are not fit for purpose in a time of climate emergency.”