Blog Posts: coal

The United States used more energy in 2018 than ever before. While clean energy powered some of it, 80% came from fossil fuels.

Governments are beginning to take up the call for a "just transition" to a clean energy economy, with advancements seen in Canada, Spain, Germany, Costa Rica and more. One way they can do so: Integrate the "just transition" into their long-term strategies for climate action.

From phasing out coal to banning oil drilling, several nations stepped up their climate action this year. A new timeline tracks climate announcements.

Power plants use a lot of water for cooling, but most don't disclose how much. A new WRI methodology calculates their thirst by using Google Earth images.

A lucrative charcoal trade destroys forests, threatens endangered species and fuels the activities of armed militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To avoid further losses, enhanced monitoring and more efficient cookstoves could help.

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In an op-ed, our Indonesian experts remind the nation electric vehicles can't achieve their carbon-saving potential unless they're fueled by renewables, not coal.

The Trump administration is expected to release an executive order that would direct the EPA to roll back the Clean Power Plan. The move will hurt America's economy, health and security.

China intends to advance ambitious climate action, and research shows the country is already making progress. The country's coal consumption has likely peaked, while renewable energy capacity has expanded significantly.

Last year brought huge political shocks to the environment and development communities. During WRI’s Annual Stories to Watch event, Andrew Steer highlighted how these trends may affect U.S. and international climate policy, business and investment, global energy markets and more this year.

Not a single fossil fuel company in the world discloses potential emissions from their reserves of oil, gas and coal – and that is a big problem.