“ Coal is the most controversial fuel for good reasons. On the one hand, it provides almost 30% of global primary energy and is the world’s most popular fuel for generating electricity, producing steel and making cement. It is also relatively affordable and widely available. On the other hand, coal use is responsible for 45% of energy-related CO2 emissions, as well as over 40% of SO2, around 15% of NOx and emissions of fine particulate matter. As a result, analysis on coal too often tends to be onesided, highlighting either the negative environmental consequences or the positive contributions to economic growth.

To truly understand the important role that coal plays -- for better or worse -- in the global energy system, it is critical that we examine both sides of the coin. This means understanding theimplications of climate policies on the future for coal, while also coming to terms with what coal is doing – and will continue to do – for energy security, economic growth and energy access in developing and emerging economies. “

Aus dem Vorwort “ Coal Medium-Term Market Report 2016 der International Energy Agency . Der Report kann unter http://www.iea.org/bookshop/735-Medium-Term_Coal_Market_Report_2016 bei der Agentur in verschiedenen Vaianten erworben werden.