The UK is done with coal. How’s the rest of the world doing?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on MIT Technology Review or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The UK has officially shut down its last coal-fired power plant, marking a milestone in its transition away from coal, a major polluter
• This aligns with a global trend among developed nations, but coal remains dominant in some regions, notably China and India

🔭 The context: Over the last decade, the UK dramatically phased out coal, first due to economic competition from natural gas, and later through policy-driven carbon pricing and a shift towards renewable energy
• While European and G7 nations are committing to phasing out coal, many developing nations, including China and India, still rely heavily on coal to meet rapidly growing energy demands

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Coal is the most carbon-intensive energy source, and reducing its use is critical to cutting global emissions
• While wealthier nations are moving away from coal, developing nations face challenges due to newer coal plants and economic dependence on coal industries

⏭️ What's next: Global efforts must focus on supporting countries like China and India in transitioning away from coal
• This could involve financial aid, technology sharing, and international cooperation to promote renewable energy alternatives

💬 One quote: "Rapid speeds of transition away from fossil fuels are possible," said Joel Jaeger from the World Resources Institute, reflecting on the UK's coal phase-out

📈 One stat: Two-thirds of the world’s new coal power plants this year were built in China, illustrating the ongoing challenge of curbing coal use globally

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