# India's Coal Dependency: A Cause for Global Concern
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Chapter 1: The Coal Conundrum
Coal, often associated with childhood tales of naughty children receiving it as a gift, has a reputation that extends far beyond a mere lump of rock. In reality, it's emblematic of inefficiency, pollution, and the socioeconomic decay it can bring. Recent studies have illuminated its catastrophic effects on both the environment and global climate, marking it as the most detrimental energy source we have developed. Given today's geopolitical climate, one might expect nations to abandon coal. Yet, India is making significant investments in coal, ramping up both its mining and consumption, a move that underscores the West’s ineffective geopolitical strategies and climate inaction.
India has unveiled plans to increase its underground coal mining capacity threefold to satisfy its surging energy demands. Despite possessing some of the largest coal reserves globally, around 70% of it lies deep underground. This makes underground coal mining both perilous and costly, resulting in just 5% of India's coal production coming from these mines.
Section 1.1: The Dependence on Coal
So, what drives India to expand its underground mining operations?
India's reliance on coal is substantial; in 2021, coal accounted for 73% of its energy consumption, establishing the country as one of the leading coal users worldwide. This dependence is rapidly increasing, with a staggering 14% rise in coal consumption from 2022 to 2023. To keep up with demand, coal production is soaring.
The more economical and safer surface mines are unable to meet this escalating demand, prompting a shift towards the more expensive underground coal sources. In essence, India's turn to underground mining is a clear indication of its intense coal consumption.
The documentary "Michael Moore Presents: Planet of the Humans" delves into the environmental ramifications of coal and offers a critical look at our collective energy choices.
Section 1.2: The Environmental Toll of Coal
The consequences of coal usage are dire. Each kilowatt-hour generated from coal emits approximately one kilogram of carbon dioxide, which is twice the emissions from natural gas and around 166 times more than renewable or nuclear energy. Coal stands as the most polluting energy source available.
Recent research, including the "State of Climate Action 2023," highlights the urgent need to phase out coal power globally at a rate seven times faster than the current pace to meet climate objectives. Another significant study asserts that a total cessation of coal usage within the next decade could help keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius by century's end.
In essence, climate change would be significantly mitigated if coal were eliminated from our energy mix. Alarmingly, coal power contributes to 40% of global annual emissions.
Chapter 2: The Energy Dilemma
The critical question arises: why does India continue to rely on coal for its energy needs rather than turning to natural gas, renewables, or nuclear power?
India's lack of domestic natural gas necessitates imports, which can be costly and expose its energy market to global volatility—an untenable situation for a developing economy. While coal may not be the cheapest energy source per unit, it offers a more affordable infrastructure investment compared to alternatives. For countries like India and China with rapidly growing energy demands, coal appears to be the logical choice.
For instance, India invested $3.14 billion to build eight new coal power plants in 2021–22, yielding a combined capacity of 4,485 MW, averaging approximately $700,000 per MW. In contrast, solar energy exceeds $1 million per MW, while nuclear power surpasses $10 million per MW.
However, this perception of coal as an economical option is misleading. Renewables can often be produced at half the cost of coal per unit, and over time, they prove to be more economical for consumers, despite higher initial investments. Additionally, renewables generate more sustainable jobs compared to coal. The health implications of coal usage are significant, with a staggering death toll: for every 1,000 terawatt-hours of coal power generated, around 100,000 lives are lost. In comparison, nuclear power results in merely 90 deaths, solar power accounts for 440, and wind power 150. In 2019 alone, India’s coal production led to an estimated 116,000 fatalities due to its inadequate safety regulations.
Thus, while coal may appear to be a low-cost solution, its broader economic and environmental impacts are far from trivial. Many nations opt for coal for immediate growth, often neglecting the long-term consequences.
The video "Why is coal on the way out in India?" explores the shifts in India's energy landscape, revealing the complexities of its coal dependency and the potential for renewables.
Section 2.1: The Pressure from the West
India's escalating coal consumption has raised alarms among climate advocates, especially in the West, which has intensified its calls for India to abandon coal. However, this perspective is fraught with hypocrisy. India's per capita emissions stand at a mere 1.91 tons, while the US's is a staggering 14.44 tons.
Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that countries like India must rapidly expand their energy infrastructure to support economic growth. Prioritizing renewables could impede this growth, as the costs associated with building such infrastructure could limit overall capacity, ultimately hampering economic progress and risking public support for the government.
In order to transition from coal, India requires access to affordable financing to develop renewable energy sources. Developed nations, particularly in the West, are in a position to provide this support, yet they often fall short.
The global need for $2 trillion annually until 2030 for developing nations to transition to renewables is a substantial figure, but it pales in comparison to the US military budget. This investment would yield significant returns, fostering economic growth and enhancing international trade opportunities.
The geopolitical landscape further complicates this scenario. While China dominates renewable energy production, the West must consider funding India’s potential in thorium nuclear energy, a safer and more abundant alternative. India possesses the world's largest thorium reserves, making it a prime candidate for investment in this technology.
Section 2.2: The Imperative for Action
In summary, the West has a moral and practical obligation to support the energy transitions of developing countries. Not only does this align with ethical considerations, but it also serves the strategic interests of developed nations.
Nicholas Stern, a prominent climate economist, emphasizes that wealthy nations must invest in climate initiatives in emerging markets due to the long-term benefits this will provide. Studies indicate that unchecked climate change could lead to a global GDP reduction of 37% by 2100, while investments in renewable energy could yield a projected $78 trillion in benefits.
Ultimately, the West must act decisively to maintain its influence on the global stage. By providing developing nations with favorable financing for low-carbon energy transitions, the West can counterbalance China's growing power and ensure a sustainable future for all.
The increasing reliance on underground coal mining in India illustrates how short-sighted economic policies and a lack of global cooperation are undermining climate efforts. The media's portrayal of India as the villain in this scenario only serves to perpetuate a misguided narrative that overlooks the complexities of global emissions and energy needs.
The call to action is clear: without a shift in our approach to international climate discourse and support, we risk allowing climate change to overwhelm us.
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