Coal is one of the most abundant and commonly used sources of energy in the world. It has been used for centuries for a variety of different purposes, from heating homes to providing power for factories and other industrial applications. However, the burning of coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which have been linked to wide-ranging environmental and health impacts. Poor-quality coal, or “substandard” coal, is a particular concern because it is often sold cheaply, yet may cause even higher emissions of health-harming pollutants than better-quality coal.
Poor-quality coal is coal that is of lower-than-normal energy content, and therefore releases more carbon dioxide per unit of energy burned than higher-quality coal. This type of coal is particularly common in China and India, where coal-fired power plants are important sources of electricity and heat. Poor-quality coal is often sold as a discounted alternative to higher-quality coal, and can account for more than 80% of the coal sold in some countries.
The burning of poor-quality coal can create additional environmental and health effects. Poor-quality coal is higher in ash and other pollutants than higher-grade coal, resulting in increased air pollution. This in turn can cause acute health effects, such as increased asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses. Poor-quality coal also increases the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Reducing the burning of poor-quality coal is an important part of efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. One effective solution is to increase and enforce standards for the quality of coal sold, as well as increasing market incentives for trading and consuming higher-quality coal. Governments, utilities, and manufacturers must also shift towards more efficient, cleaner forms of energy, such as natural gas and renewable sources.
Improving the quality of coal and reducing its reliance is an essential part of the global effort to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. Reducing the use of poor-quality coal will not only improve air quality and reduce environmental impacts but also create a more secure and sustainable energy supply in the long-term. Governments must work together to create stringent standards and incentives that encourage the use of higher-quality fuel and discourage the burning of poor-quality coal.
