Coal is on the way out!

• The coal industry is in a steady decline
• Renewable energy is becoming more prevalent every year 
• We need to continue moving forward towards a sustainable future

A world without coal is one that many people have been looking forward to. The fossil fuel is one of the dirtiest sources of energy around. Coal pollution has had a huge toll on many places around the world, especially the United States. About 10 years ago, coal was the source of a majority of the electricity generated in the United States. This is changing.

Historic Milestones

In 2019, many historic milestones occurred, in regard to the energy industry. The most stunning was renewable energy sources generating more energy than coal in the United States. The main renewable sources were wind power and solar power. This is such a huge milestone because this is the first time that this has occurred in 130 years. 130 years ago the main source of energy was timber.

An analysis of the energy industry in 2019 signals huge shifts in the sector. Coal use fell 15% while renewable use was up by 1%. In addition to coal use falling for the sixth year in a row, coal’s role in electricity generation fell to its lowest level since the 1970s. Some predict that coal’s role in energy consumption may be cut in half in the 2020s.

What has changed?

Coal has been under increasing criticism as more people have become aware of global environmental issues. Coal is arguably the dirtiest form of energy around. This has caused many leading western nations to set pledges and/or other political legislation pushing for an end to coal use. In comparison to other fossil fuels, many prefer gas over coal. This is because coal plants are difficult to run and extremely pollute the local environments they are in. This, paired with decreasing energy demand due to Coronavirus, has lead to the coal industry being hit very hard as of recent.

A lot of work still needs to be done but the fight for clean energy has already had some major successes. We need to keep pushing forward, making the world more sustainable and equitable for all. Join Physis today to be a part of the change you want to see!

Sources:

Renewables surpass coal in US energy generation for the first time in 130 years