From a climate change sceptic's perspective, coal isn't just a dirty rock, it's the unsung hero of human progress, the fuel that dragged humanity out of the dark ages and still powers the dreams of billions. The Daily Sceptic's piece, "The Rise and Rise of King Coal" (https://dailysceptic.org/2025/06/11/the-rise-and-rise-of-king-coal/), is spot on: coal powered the Industrial Revolution, transforming societies and lifting living standards from the grinding poverty that defined human existence for millennia. Its energy density and reliability made it the backbone of progress, and today, it's the lifeblood of growth in places like China and India. Let's dig out why coal is not only needed now but is a defiant middle finger to the climate alarmists who'd rather see us freeze in the dark.
Coal's not some relic of the past; it's the workhorse of the present. In 2024, global coal consumption hit record highs, with China alone firing up nearly 100 gigawatts of new coal plants, roughly two per week. India's not far behind, churning out coal-fired power to fuel its booming economy. Why? Because coal is cheap, reliable, and doesn't throw tantrums when the wind stops blowing or the sun goes down. Unlike the West's flirtation with renewables, which leave us praying for clear skies and a stiff breeze, coal delivers consistent, affordable electricity. For developing nations, it's not a luxury, it's a necessity. China and India aren't building coal plants for fun; they're doing it to power factories, light homes, and lift millions out of poverty. The International Energy Agency notes that coal provides over 40% of global electricity, and in Asia, it's closer to 70%. That's not going away anytime soon, no matter how many climate conferences the UN throws.
China and India are the poster children for coal's indispensability. China, the world's largest coal consumer, produces over half the globe's coal-fired power, with 1,161 plants and counting. India's coal output is double Australia's, and it's aiming to triple it. Why the coal rush? Because it's high-density, concentrated energy that delivers cheap electricity, exactly what you need when you're trying to become an economic superpower. China's coal-fired economy secures 80% of the world's solar market, ironically proving you need dirty energy to build "clean" tech. India's coal plants power its tech hubs and manufacturing boom. These nations aren't chasing Net Zero pipe dreams; they're chasing growth, and coal's the fuel that gets them there. While the West frets over carbon footprints, Asia's betting on coal to keep their fires of industry burning. Australia must as well!
https://dailysceptic.org/2025/06/11/the-rise-and-rise-of-king-coal/