President of China Declares End to Coal Use

By Peyton Phillips September 29, 2021

China, the world's leading consumer of coal, announced it will end use of the deadly fuel and encourage developing countries to move toward green energy resources.

At the United Nations General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China is pledging to stop building new coal-fired power plants overseas. He said China will support other developing countries to move toward green and low-carbon energy.

Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said that Beijing has been struggling to balance the demand from other countries for coal-fired power plants with its climate commitments. Last year, Jinping said that China plans to become carbon neutral by 2060.

China is the world’s largest consumer of coal, accounting for 54% of the world’s coal-created electricity. Jinping is expected to remain President for life, which will hopefully allow him to see the full eradication of coal from China’s energy supplies.

This news has been welcomed by many, as the people of China, Mongolia and South Korea suffer greatly from the smog created by coal. One study suggested that over one million people die each year as a result of air pollution in China.

“Finally: No more overseas coal with China’s support”, said Dr. Christoph Nedopil Wang, Associate Professor and DirectorGreen Finance & Development Center. “This was a much anticipated statement and an important step to fight climate change across the World.”

Image source: Reuters