Introduction
Coal is an extremely important energy source used to drive Chinas industrial production and economic prosperity. Mining and burning coal can be economical and convenient, but this reliance comes with a price—it damages Chinas environment. The continued growth of Chinas coal industry has had negative effects on the environment, economy and public health.
Impacts on the Environment
China has become the worlds largest producer and consumer of coal due to the dramatic growth in its economy. As of 2018, the most recent statistics for Chinese coal production showed that the country produced 3.67 billion tons of coal. This is more than double the production level of 15 years ago.
The rapid growth of Chinas coal industry has had serious consequences. The burning of coal releases tons of air pollutants, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, that have been linked to smog and acid rain. The burning of coal also releases mercury, which enters the water supply through runoff or is released into the air.
Impacts on the Economy
The coal industry in China contributes significantly to the countrys economy. Coal accounted for 57% of the energy consumption in China in 2018, and the coal industry contributed 3.2% of the countrys GDP in 2017. Coal provides jobs and income to people in rural areas where it is mined, and the revenues generated by the industry help develop infrastructure and services, such as schools in Chinese communities.
However, this reliance on coal has also had negative economic consequences. The energy generated by coal is much more expensive than other sources of energy, and this has led to an increase in energy costs that has affected businesses, industry and households. Additionally, the costs associated with cleaning up coal-related pollution have been passed along to consumers in the form of higher taxes and fees.
Impacts on Public Health
The burning of coal has had serious public health effects in China. Air pollution from coal-fired power plants and factories is estimated to cause over 300,000 premature deaths each year. In addition, the emissions from burning coal can cause specific respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as asthma, lung cancer and stroke.
Currently, the Chinese government is taking steps to reduce air pollution from coal-burning power plants. This includes mandating stricter regulations on air pollution, closing older and less efficient power plants, and increasing investment in “clean coal” technology, such as carbon capture and storage.
Conclusion
Chinas reliance on coal has been a major factor in its economic growth over the last two decades. But this reliance has come with a cost—it has had negative impacts on the environment, economy and public health. Currently, the Chinese government is taking steps to reduce air pollution from coal-fired power plants, but the damaging effects of coal will remain a challenge in the years to come.
