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Coal

In a boom town gone bust, a recreation center becomes a burden

by Will Walkey
May 6, 2024
When times were good, Hanna, Wyoming, built a giant rec center for coal workers. Now with just 700 residents, the town can't afford upkeep.
The Hanna Recreation Center’s pool had to be drained last year. 
Will Walkey/WPR
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A Warmer World

U.S. carbon emissions fell in 2023, mainly thanks to natural gas displacing coal at power plants

by Henry Epp
Feb 22, 2024
Emissions from transportation, on the other hand, were up.
Coal has increasingly been replaced by alternative fuel sources, like natural gas and renewables.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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A Warmer World

Why are China and India still burning so much coal?

by Henry Epp
Jul 31, 2023
A new report from the International Energy Agency shows global demand for coal reached a record level in 2022 — and it’s not likely to go down any time soon.
Countries like India and China rely on coal for two big reasons: It’s usually cheap and available, said Sanya Carley, a professor of energy policy at the University of Pennsylvania.
Money Sharma/AFP via Getty Images
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Biden administration seeks to boost carbon capture in power plants

by Lily Jamali
May 11, 2023
The goal is to remove 90% of industry emissions by 2035.
Biden's plan calls for power plants that burn coal and natural gas to be outfitted with systems that capture carbon. If released into the atmosphere, the carbon would contribute to climate change.
George Frey/AFP via Getty Images
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As natural gas prices fall, coal's comeback may be short-lived

by Lily Jamali
Dec 30, 2022
The coal industry filled a gap in the global energy mix after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent natural gas prices to record highs.
The high prices of natural gas in Europe have sparked a coal comeback. But now gas prices are falling. Above, a coal-fired power plant near Halle, Germany.
Jens Schlueter/Getty Images
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War in Ukraine disrupts Europe's green energy plans for the moment

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Dec 27, 2022
The conflict has forced the continent to rely on coal.
Snow lies in a residential area while smoke rises from the chimneys of a coal-fired power plant in the background during a sub-zero day on Dec. 15, 2022 in Korbetha near Halle, Germany.
Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images
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Coal makes a comeback as Europe tries to avoid an energy emergency

by Lily Jamali
Oct 19, 2022
Analysts say the U.S. coal industry hasn't been able to fully capitalize on the surge in demand
The growing energy crisis in Europe means some countries are turning to coal to produce electricity. Above, coal-fired power plants in Germany.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
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A Warmer World

Study finds persistent coal ash pollution in lakes

by Lily Jamali
Oct 3, 2022
Climate events like more intense hurricanes are spreading the byproduct of burning coal to water used for drinking and recreation.
The coal ash left behind when coal is burned for electricity contains carcinogens and neurotoxins. Wind turbines, like the one above, are favored as an alternative by advocates of battling climate change and reducing pollution.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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Some African countries are benefiting from EU members' search for new energy sources

by ish Mafundikwa
Jul 19, 2022
South Africa has seen a boom in coal exports. But critics say European countries shouldn't keep feeding their coal habit.
The European Union will stop importing Russian coal in August. Above, coal storage for the coal-fired power plant of the German energy supplier Steag in Duisburg, Germany.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images
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A Warmer World

Coal's comeback threatens global goals for fighting climate change

by David Brancaccio , Meredith Garretson and Jarrett Dang
Jul 5, 2022
Countries are turning back to less expensive but carbon-heavy coal because of rising energy costs and Russia's war in Ukraine.
With the war in Ukraine restricting Europe's access to Russian energy, Germany is among the nations seeking alternative fuels for generating electricity, including more coal.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
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