Donald Trump understands;
There are about 1600 coal-fired power stations either under construction or planned, in 62 countries around the world.
Something like 583 in China, 273 in India, many in Japan, etc.
Yes, everyone's dancin' "coal"!
They've seen the folly of 'Paris' and the climate change/global warming folly.
Last year China canceled 103 coal plants that were approved and/or had started construction. China has implemented a national coal cap to limit the amount of coal being burned (actually a cap on the amount of energy capacity from coal plants). China is moving ahead with new nuclear plants, and making a major push into solar and wind.
When even China is bailing on coal, you know the show is over.
Not that it won't drag on for some declining decades. India is probably not at a level that they have other options readily available.
Still in an economic growth over quality of life phase (ie pollute like mad to build up wealth).
Right now in the US solar is on par with coal costs, and if you add in all of the coal externalities, such as ripping open mountains, transporting coal, and air pollution, (not even to get into miner health), solar is cheaper.
In the US, cleaner fossil fuels (ie natural gas) have undermined coal.
The idea that coal could or should have a resurgence in the US is myopic or a cruel joke. Also, no one really wants to be a coal miner -- it's a shitty, unhealthy job. People in Appalachia want jobs.
And China is a firm backer of the Paris Accords.
They believe in climate change and witness unhealthy pollution levels.
But it's a big, still largely poor country and has until 2030 to cap its greenhouse emissions. But they are serious about meeting those commitments, and moving away from coal.
Poll
5 (45.5%)