· 2 min read
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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