Slow Burn: why we can’t quit coal

While some regard coal as a relic of the industrial revolution, it has never been more important to powering our modern economy. Coal powers 34% of the world’s electricity, more than any other fuel, and global demand keeps breaking new records. Despite the break-neck pace of renewable energy installations, coal remains the bedrock of energy systems from Asia to North America to Africa.

Coal is also controversial because of its climate and health impacts. It has the highest climate impact of any fossil fuel, producing 37% of annual global emissions, and is one of the most harmful energy sources to human health.

Yet coal persists, and it isn’t just because coal is a low-cost fuel. I am writing a book to unpack the political and economic reasons why a diverse group of countries continue to use coal, and why transitioning to other fuels remains a challenge. I will also explore perspectives on the way forward for the government and the private sector to deliver on the promise of abundant, cheap, clean, and secure energy.