Top 20 Countries Plan Fossil Fuel Production 120% Over Climate Targets by 2030

Recent reports and expert analyses reveal a troubling trend in global climate efforts, with many utilities and countries backtracking on commitments to reduce fossil fuel dependence and curb emissions. A Sierra Club report highlights that around 20% of U.S. utilities have backtracked on climate goals, with increased plans for natural gas capacity and continued reliance on coal, despite some growth in clean energy projects. Globally, the 2025 Production Gap Report and related research warn that the top fossil fuel producers plan to produce over 120% more fossil fuels by 2030 than is compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a gap that has widened since last year largely due to slower coal reduction in China. This production increase starkly contrasts with the promises made under the Paris Agreement and underscores the disconnect between climate pledges and actual policies. Climate leaders at events such as Climate Week NYC emphasize the need for accelerated clean energy transitions and tangible progress, while also noting disparities in the distribution of clean energy benefits. The consensus among experts is clear: without urgent and substantial shifts away from coal, oil, and gas toward renewable energy and efficiency, global climate targets are at serious risk of being missed.