To keep global warming well below 2°C the world needs to decrease the production and use of coal rapidly. The technical barrier to moving to renewables has never been so small because of the falling costs of wind and solar power. But for the world’s top coal countries, significant challenges remain. From West Virginia, United States, to Chhattisgarh, India, coal production provides millions of jobs, anchors local economies, pays worker pensions, and contributes to society through taxes or directly paying social services. Even though coal production and consumption can have harmful air and water impacts, the benefits felt in coal communities are critical. For coal-dependent regions, a global energy transition will have outsized costs.

India’s pledge at the COP 26 to phase ‘down’ and not phase ‘out’ coal was met with mixed reviews. While many nations criticised the country’s stand as being detrimental to combating climate change, climate experts have come out in support of India’s stand.