War Against Coal

Almost three years ago, China declared their intentions to wage a war against pollution – a move in direct response to the dire state of the country’s air quality and worldwide efforts to address climate change. Even now, as the country announces plans to shut down the construction of more than one hundred coal-fired power plants, some of its major cities are still reeling from the toxic smog that blanketed the nation at the beginning of 2017. Around the globe, the very real consequences brought on by climate change continue to be felt.

But with China’s National Energy Administration cancelling a significant number of its planned coal-fired projects, it looks like China is going to make significant strides toward winning this war. According to The RAND Corporation, China is the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, and shutting down 104 coal-fired projects across 13 provinces – which are expected to deliver a total of 120 gigawatts of power – will have a significant impact on their total volume of carbon emissions.

It might actually be possible for the world’s biggest industrial nation to meet its target of limiting coal-fired power generation to 1,100 gigawatts by 2020.

Impending Victory

Electricity generated from coal is by far the largest source of greenhouse gasses that lead to global warming; and China, as well as the rest of the coal-dependent countries around the world, have a long way to go. For instance, while the steps China is taking right now are notable, the recent government-ordered cancellations total to only a third of the United States’ massive coal fleet.

Recognizing how coal affects the environment is one thing, stepping up and doing something about it is another – especially if leaders of the biggest nations are not going to make it a priority. But, as we pointed out in a previous report, numerous initiatives are already in place, or are being started, in a global and concerted effort to address global warming. While Donald Trump will be in a powerful position as the president of the United States, even he won’t be able to stop the global community from fighting back against man-made climate change.

Renewable energy sources are becoming more accessible, while awareness regarding the environmental consequences of continued use and dependence on fossil fuel is growing. To that end, high-profile investors are also coming together to dedicate money and time towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Technology designed to provide clean and affordable energy is also on the rise–constantly evolving and improving.