Where Europe lives on coal

Published on: October 6, 2020 / Updated on: October 6, 2020 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Where Europe lives off coal – Where Europe Runs On Coal

Where Europe lives off coal – Image @shutterstock1968

The end of the fossil fuel era is not yet in sight in Europe. As this infographic shows, a number of countries still generate a very large portion of their electricity from coal. At the same time, not all countries have announced a date for phasing out coal. This is particularly true for those countries with a high proportion of coal-fired power generation. Despite recent efforts to transition to renewable energies, Germany still ranks in the top quarter of countries, behind countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Bulgaria. The government aims to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2038.

Scientists are calling for a phase-out of coal-fired power generation. Preventing climate change can only be achieved by completely abandoning fossil fuels. Furthermore, electricity from renewable energy sources can be generated more cost-effectively than electricity from fossil fuels – even when considering the consequential costs of health and climate damage. In Poland, for example, many people suffer from the effects of high levels of air pollution. Nevertheless, there is no prospect of a rapid phase-out of coal. One reason for this is that tens of thousands of jobs depend on coal mining.

Global coal production has recently increased again, with around 8 billion tons mined in 2018. Countries such as China, Russia, and the USA have contributed to this increase.

The end of the age of fossil fuels is not yet in sight in Europe. As this infographic shows, there are still a number of countries that generate a very large proportion of their electricity from coal. At the same time, not all countries have announced a date for phasing out its use. This applies in particular to those countries that have a high proportion of coal-fired electricity. Despite recent efforts to transition to renewable energy, Germany still lies in the upper quarter of the country comparison, behind countries such as Poland, Czechia, Greece and Bulgaria. The government is aiming to phase out coal by 2038.

Scientists are demanding a move away from electricity generation from coal. The prevention of climate change can only be achieved by a complete abandonment of fossil fuels. In addition, electricity from renewable energies can be produced more cheaply than electricity from fossil fuels – taking into account the resulting costs of health and climate damage. In Poland, for example, many people suffer health problems from the consequences of high levels of air pollution. Nevertheless, there is no prospect of a swift turn away from coal. One reason for this is that jobs in the five-digit region depend on coal production.

Global coal production has risen again recently, with around 8 billion tonnes of coal mined in 2018. Countries such as China, Russia and the USA contributed to the increase.

You can find more infographics at Statista