Coal: Part II

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Welcome to the second episode of Stepchange—where we explore the technologies and systems that have transformed human civilization.

In Part II of our coal saga, we witness how this ancient rock evolved from household hearths to the invisible force powering the modern world. The 20th century would see coal take on its most consequential role yet—as the foundation of electrical grids that would light cities, power industry, and ultimately reshape geopolitics.

We journey through coal's central role in America's Gilded Age monopolies, the brutal labor battles that defined generations of miners' lives, and the critical part it played in two world wars. We'll see how coal fueled China and India's economic miracles even as it began to fade in the West, and how these competing trajectories continue to shape our climate future.

Coal remains the single largest source of electricity globally and our greatest contributor to climate-impacting emissions. Its story isn't just history—it's the backdrop against which our energy transition must unfold.

Thank you for joining us for the second episode of Stepchange. Don’t forget to subscribe. Share your thoughts by emailing us at hi@stepchange.show.

Hosts: Ben Shwab Eidelson and Anay Shah

Referenced & Recommendations:

* Coal: Part I

* Our World in Data

* Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

* Climate Papa with Travis McCoy and David Roberts

* Deli Boys