Why We’re Burning More Climate-Warming Coal Than Ever: QuickTake

There’s little doubt that avoiding the most dire effects of climate change requires phasing out power stations that burn coal, the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions. Yet the opposite is happening. Even as temperatures on Earth smash new records and scientists warn the climate is reaching dangerous tipping points, the amount of coal being consumed keeps on growing. The basic problem is simple: Whenever the security of electricity supply is in doubt, the imperative to contain global warming slips down the agenda.

1. How reliant is the world on coal?

Coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, is the biggest source ...