The Intelligence from The Economist A friend of mines: Asia’s coal habit
Aug 26, 2019
Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Will Brown, West Africa correspondent, delve into pressing global issues. They discuss Asia's alarming coal dependence, with China and India weighing economic growth against climate obligations. Johnson highlights the environmental risks while Brown shares insights on Liberia's struggles post-civil war, facing declining aid and rising costs. Together, they consider the ramifications of tourism commercialization in the Caribbean, questioning the authenticity of travel experiences, as local cultures grapple with economic dependencies.
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Asia's Coal Problem
- Asia's coal dependence threatens global climate goals, despite signing the Paris Agreement.
- Deadlines for coal plant construction and closure will likely be missed by decades.
Coal in Asia
- Asia dominates global coal production and consumption, with China leading and India following.
- Southeast Asia's coal use in power generation increased, making coal an Asian issue.
Asia's Coal Reliance
- Coal's affordability and abundance drive Asia's reliance, facilitating rapid development.
- China and India's large populations and consumption make them key players.