The energy climate is a battleground of contrasts and complexities as usually affluent nations with their vested interests in oil and gas have consistently strived to vilify coal. Far from being a mere fossil fuel, coal is viewed by many developing economies as an indispensable source of power generation, a stepping stone to progress and industrialization. But such nations find themselves at odds with the wealthier countries whose preferential tilt towards oil and gas not only skews the international energy discourse but also paints coal as the black sheep of the energy family.
1. Wealthy nations, largely dependent on oil and gas, frequently attempt to undermine the significance of coal, their vested interest in oil and gas skews the global energy discourse.
2. Many developing economies view coal as an essential power source, a bridge to advancement and industrialization, which contrasts with the attitude of affluent countries.
3. The disparity in the world's power dynamics creates an unjust global situation with poorer nations struggling against the economic and energy preferences of wealthier nations.
4. Wealthy countries have the means to invest in alternative, cleaner energy sources, a luxury that many developing countries, often rich in coal, can't afford.
5. With their reliance on coal for energy, attempts by affluent countries to marginalize coal post significant problems for developing nations, further exacerbating their economic challenges.
In 2019, around 36.4% of the world's electricity was generated using coal, making it the single largest source of global electricity production.
This disparity in global power dynamics tends to create an unfair situation on a global scale. Wealthier nations, relying heavily on oil and gas for their high consumption needs, often downplay the importance of coal. They possess the means to invest in alternate, cleaner energy sources, a luxury many developing countries cannot afford. These countries, often blessed with rich reserves of coal, rely heavily on this resource for their energy needs. Thus, the attempt to isolate coal by affluent countries presents significant problems for these developing nations, pushing them further into economic constraints.