Economist Podcasts Your planet, or mines? Kicking the coal habit
Dec 3, 2020
Charlotte Howard, The Economist's energy and commodities editor, dives into the pressing global challenge of reducing coal usage amid rising consumption in Asia. She emphasizes the need for carbon pricing and discussions on balancing economic growth with environmental commitments in developing nations. The podcast also touches on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's unexpected political rise in Belarus and the resilience of its people in pursuing democracy. Additionally, an innovative method for making homemade face masks using candy floss machines showcases the intersection of creativity and necessity.
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Coal's Changing Role
- Coal's importance has shifted drastically, from a symbol of prosperity to a threat.
- Market forces and cheaper alternatives like renewables are squeezing coal in the West.
Asia's Coal Consumption
- Coal consumption is rising in Asia, offsetting declines in the West.
- This makes it hard to achieve Paris Agreement goals if Asian coal use isn't addressed.
Coal and Developing Economies
- Developing economies argue their coal use is necessary for economic growth.
- They question limiting their growth when Western development relied heavily on coal.