#Global Coal Demand

[eninrac-consulting]

The Future of Coal: Examining Import Trends, Global Demand, and India's Coal Industry

Coal continues to be an important component of the world energy scene. This blog explores the demand for coal around the world, looking at consumption patterns and influencing factors. Next, we focus on India, which is a significant participant in the coal mining sector. Lastly, we examine India's coal imports and evaluate how they contribute to the country's energy needs. You will obtain important insights into the changing dynamics of the global coal market and India's energy future by comprehending these interrelated aspects.

[todayworldnews2k21]

EV shift especially in China likely to disrupt global oil market, says IEA

The IEA is an intergovernmental body based in Paris. (Image: Bloomberg) 4 min read Last Updated : Oct 16 2024 | 10:25 AM IST An increasing shift toward electric vehicles globally, especially in China, is poised to disrupt the global oil market, according to a report released Wednesday by the International Energy Agency. In recent years, China has accounted for most of the growth in oil demand…

[mining-market]

Coal Mining Industry Market Size and Projections

Introduction

Coal has long been a cornerstone of the global energy sector, serving as a crucial source of electricity generation and industrial fuel. Despite increasing environmental concerns and the emergence of renewable energy alternatives, the Coal Mining Market continues to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth. In this article, we will explore the factors driving the expansion of the coal mining industry, supported by statistical insights and industry trends.

Future Outlook

The future of the Coal Mining Market is marked by a blend of challenges and opportunities. While the transition towards cleaner energy sources and escalating environmental regulations present hurdles, the persistent demand for coal in emerging economies and industrial sectors offers avenues for growth and innovation. To navigate these dynamics successfully, the coal mining industry must embrace sustainable practices, leverage advanced technologies, and diversify their portfolios to remain competitive in a swiftly evolving energy landscape.

Market Size and Projections

Statistical data underscores a robust growth trajectory for the global Coal Mining Market. In 2020, the market was valued at USD 869.5 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate CAGR of 2.8% from 2021 to 2027. This growth is fueled by rising energy demand from emerging economies, ongoing industrial development, and the persistent reliance on coal for electricity generation.

Regional Dynamics

The Asia Pacific region stands as the dominant force in the global coal mining market, boasting the largest market share in both production and consumption. Countries like China and India serve as major coal producers and consumers, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructural expansion. North America and Europe also wield significant influence in the coal mining sector, albeit with a stronger emphasis on environmental regulations and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Key Market Drivers: Several factors propel the growth of the coal mining industry:

Energy Demand: Coal remains a primary energy source for electricity generation, particularly in developing economies with burgeoning populations and expanding industrial sectors. The affordability and reliability of coal-fired power plants sustain its demand.

Industrialization: Coal is integral to industrial processes such as steel production, cement manufacturing, and chemical synthesis, driving demand for coal mining. Industries value coal for its high energy content and cost-effectiveness compared to alternative fuels.

Infrastructure Development: Coal plays a vital role in infrastructure projects like road construction, railway networks, and urban development. As nations invest in infrastructure to support economic growth and urbanization, the demand for coal for construction materials and energy remains strong.

Technological Advancements

The Coal Mining Industry witnesses continuous technological advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Innovations such as automated mining equipment, remote monitoring systems, and advanced coal processing technologies bolster productivity and slash operational costs. Furthermore, efforts are underway to develop cleaner coal technologies, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) and coal gasification, to mitigate environmental impacts.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite promising growth prospects, the coal mining market grapples with environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and competition from alternative energy sources. Nevertheless, these challenges also foster opportunities for innovation and diversification. Coal mining companies are exploring cleaner coal technologies, expanding into renewable energy sectors, and investing in carbon offset projects to mitigate their environmental footprint and adapt to shifting market dynamics.

Conclusion

The coal mining market stands as a testament to resilience and growth, buoyed by factors like energy demand, industrialization, and infrastructure development. Despite encountering obstacles from environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, the industry adapts to changing market dynamics through technological innovation and diversification. As the world seeks to harmonize economic growth with environmental sustainability, coal mining companies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global energy sector Top of Form

[crop-protection-market]

Exploring the Dynamics of the Coal Mining Market Growth, Market Revenue and Future Outlook

The Coal Mining Market stands as a vital pillar in the global energy landscape, navigating constant evolution and diverse challenges. This exploration delves into the growth, size, demand, challenges, regional nuances, competitive forces, and the future outlook that characterize the intricate terrain of the Coal Mining industry.

Growth Trajectory: Illuminating the Coal Mining Market

Understanding the growth patterns in the Coal Mining Market is pivotal to gauging its economic impact and industry vitality. The industry has witnessed steady growth, driven by increasing global demand for coal as a primary energy source. The key highlights include an annual growth of 5%, indicating sustained demand, and developing economies contributing significantly to this upward trajectory.

Sizing Up: Coal Mining Market Size Analysis

The sheer scale of the Coal Mining Market is instrumental for stakeholders seeking to comprehend its economic footprint and potential opportunities. The market size is substantial, with a valuation of USD 50 billion in the last fiscal year. Variations in market size are influenced by factors such as coal reserves, production capacities, and regional demand.

Meeting Demand: Coal Mining Market Demand Dynamics

The Coal Mining Market demand for coal remains a critical driver for the Market, impacting various industries, especially power generation and manufacturing. Despite global efforts to diversify energy sources, coal continues to meet a substantial portion of the world's energy demand.

Navigating Challenges: Coal Mining Market Challenges Unveiled

Challenges inherent in the Coal Mining industry require strategic approaches to ensure sustainable operations and compliance with evolving regulations. Environmental concerns, regulatory complexities, and the emergence of renewable energy sources are among the key challenges faced by the industry.

Regional Dynamics: Focus on Coal Mining Market in India

India plays a pivotal role in the Global Coal Mining Market, with unique dynamics shaping its industry landscape. The Coal Mining Market in India is characterized by extensive coal reserves and a significant contribution to the country's energy mix. Policy initiatives and technological advancements influence the growth trajectory of the Coal Mining Market in India.

Competing Forces: Coal Mining Market Competitors in the Limelight

The competitive landscape involves established industry leaders vying for market share and emerging players seeking to make their mark. Coal Mining Market Competitors engage in strategic alliances and investments in advanced mining technologies.

Future Outlook: Coal Mining Market Forecast and Outlook

The Coal Mining Market future outlook is influenced by global energy transitions, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. The Coal Mining Market Forecast is optimistic, driven by sustained demand from industrial and power generation sectors.

Conclusion

The Coal Mining Market remains a dynamic force in the global energy sector, navigating growth, challenges, and evolving market dynamics. Stakeholders must stay attuned to these dynamics for informed decision-making in this critical industry.

[zvaigzdelasas]

China’s massive rollout of renewable energy is accelerating, its investments in the sector growing so large that international climate watchdogs now expect the country’s greenhouse-gas emissions to peak years earlier than anticipated—possibly as soon as this year[!!!].

China installed 217 gigawatts worth of solar power last year alone, a 55% increase, according to new government data. That is more than 500 million solar panels and well above the total installed solar capacity of the U.S. [...]

Wind-energy installation additions were 76 gigawatts last year, more than the rest of the world combined. That amounted to more than 20,000 new turbines across the country, including the world’s largest, [...]

The low-carbon capacity additions, which also included hydropower and nuclear, were for the first time large enough that their power output could cover the entire annual increase in Chinese electricity demand [!!!!], analysts say. The dynamic suggests that coal-fired generation—which accounts for 70% of overall emissions for the world’s biggest polluter—is set to decline in the years to come, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency and Lauri Myllyvirta, the Helsinki-based lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.[...]

Its rapid emissions growth long provided fodder for critics who said Beijing wasn’t committed to fighting climate change or supporting the Paris accord, the landmark climate agreement that calls for governments to attempt to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial temperatures. Now, analysts and officials say Beijing’s efforts are lending momentum to the Paris process, which requires governments to draft new emissions plans every five years.

“An early peak would have a lot of symbolic value and send a signal to the world that we’ve turned a corner," said Jan Ivar Korsbakken, a senior researcher at the Oslo-based Center for International Climate and Environmental Research.

In 2020, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged that the country’s emissions would begin falling before 2030 and hit net zero before 2060, part of its plan prepared under the Paris accord. He also said China would have 1,200 gigawatts of total solar- and wind-power capacity by the end of this decade. The country is six years ahead of schedule: China reached 1,050 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity at the end of 2023, and the China Electricity Council forecast last month that capacity would top 1,300 gigawatts by the end of this year.[...]

Transition Zero, a U.K.-based nonprofit that uses satellite images to monitor industrial activity and emissions in China, says the official data are “broadly aligned and consistent" with theirs.[...]

[M]oving China’s timeline for an overall emissions peak forward could shave off around 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius of projected global warming if emissions started to decline next decade, analysts say.[...]

The most certain variable in the equation is the breakneck pace of China’s renewable-energy rollout, which analysts expect will continue to add 200 to 300 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity a year. The investments in renewable energy have become a major driver of the Chinese economy. The country’s clean-energy spending totaled $890 billion last year, up 40%. [...]

The adoption of electric vehicles is happening so rapidly that analysts say peak gasoline demand in China was already reached last year[!!!].

10 Feb 24

[reasonsforhope]

"The amount of electricity generated by the UK’s gas and coal power plants fell by 20% last year, with consumption of fossil fuels at its lowest level since 1957.

Not since Harold Macmillan was the UK prime minister and the Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time has the UK used less coal and gas.

The UK’s gas power plants last year generated 31% of the UK’s electricity, or 98 terawatt hours (TWh), according to a report by the industry journal Carbon Brief, while the UK’s last remaining coal plant produced enough electricity to meet just 1% of the UK’s power demand or 4TWh.

Fossil fuels were squeezed out of the electricity system by a surge in renewable energy generation combined with higher electricity imports from France and Norway and a long-term trend of falling demand.

Higher power imports last year were driven by an increase in nuclear power from France and hydropower from Norway in 2023. This marked a reversal from 2022 when a string of nuclear outages in France helped make the UK a net exporter of electricity for the first time.

Carbon Brief found that gas and coal power plants made up just over a third of the UK’s electricity supplies in 2023, while renewable energy provided the single largest source of power to the grid at a record 42%.

It was the third year this decade that renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro and biomass power, outperformed fossil fuels [in the UK], according to the analysis. Renewables and Britain’s nuclear reactors, which generated 13% of electricity supplies last year, helped low-carbon electricity make up 55% of the UK’s electricity in 2023.

[Note: "Third year this decade" refers to the UK specifically, not global; there are several countries that already run on 100% renewable energy, and more above 90% renewable. Also, though, there have only been four years this decade so far! So three out of four is pretty good!]

Dan McGrail, the chief executive of RenewableUK, said the data shows “the central role that wind, solar and other clean power sources are consistently playing in Britain’s energy transition”.

“We’re working closely with the government to accelerate the pace at which we build new projects and new supply chains in the face of intense global competition, as everyone is trying to replicate our success,” McGrail said.

Electricity from fossil fuels was two-thirds lower in 2023 compared with its peak in 2008, according to Carbon Brief. It found that coal has dropped by 97% and gas by 43% in the last 15 years.

Coal power is expected to fall further in 2024 after the planned shutdown of Britain’s last remaining coal plant in September. The Ratcliffe on Soar coal plant, owned by the German utility Uniper, is scheduled to shut before next winter after generating power for over 55 years.

Renewable energy has increased sixfold since 2008 as the UK has constructed more wind and solar farms, and the large Drax coal plant has converted some of its generating units to burn biomass pellets.

Electricity demand has tumbled by 22% since its peak in 2005, according to the data, as part of a long-term trend driven by more energy efficient homes and appliances as well as a decline in the UK’s manufacturing sector.

Demand for electricity is expected to double as the UK aims to cut emissions to net zero by 2050 because the plan relies heavily on replacing fossil fuel transport and heating with electric alternatives.

In recent weeks [aka at the end of 2023], offshore wind developers have given the green light to another four large windfarms in UK waters, including the world’s largest offshore windfarm at Hornsea 3, which will be built off the North Yorkshire coast by Denmark’s Ørsted."

-via The Guardian, January 2, 2024

[mariacallous]

MYKOLAIV, UKRAINE—Kateryna Nahorna is getting ready to find trouble.

Part of an all-female team of dog handlers, the 22-year-old is training Ukraine’s technical survey dogs—Belgian Malinois that have learned to sniff out explosives.

The job is huge. Ukraine is now estimated to be the most heavily mined country on Earth. Deminers must survey every area that saw sustained fighting for unexploded mines, missiles, artillery shells, bombs, and a host of other ordnance—almost 25 percent of the country, according to government estimates.

The dogs can cover 1,500 square meters a day. In contrast, human deminers cover 10 square meters a day on average—by quickly narrowing down the areas that manual deminers will need to tackle, the dogs save valuable time.

“This job allows me to be a warrior for my country … but without having to kill anyone,” said Nahorna. “Our men protect us at war, and we do this to protect them at home.”

A highly practical reason drove the women’s recruitment. The specialized dog training was done in Cambodia, by the nonprofit Apopo, and military-aged men are currently not allowed to leave Ukraine.

War has shaken up gender dynamics in the Ukrainian economy, with women taking up jobs traditionally held by men, such as driving trucks or welding. Now, as mobilization ramps up once more, women are becoming increasingly important in roles that are critical for national security.

In Mykolaiv, in the industrial east, Nahorna and her dogs will soon take on one of the biggest targets of Russia’s military strategy when they start to demine the country’s energy infrastructure. Here, women have been stepping in to work in large numbers in steel mills, factories, and railways serving the front line.

It’s a big shift for Ukraine. Before the war, only 48 percent of women over age 15 took part in the workforce — one of the lowest rates in Europe. War has made collecting data on the gender composition of the workforce impossible, but today, 50,000 women serve in the Ukrainian army, compared to 30,000 before the war.

The catalyst came in 2017, years before the current war began. As conflict escalated with Russia in Crimea, the Ukrainian government overturned a Soviet-era law that had previously banned women from 450 occupations.

But obstacles still remain; for example, women are not allowed jobs the government deems too physically demanding. These barriers continue to be chipped away—most recently, women have been cleared to work in underground mines, something they were prevented from doing before.

Viktoriia Avramchuk never thought she would follow her father and husband into the coal mines for DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company.

Her lifelong fear of elevators was a big factor—but there was also the fact that it was illegal for women to work underground.

Her previous job working as a nanny in a local kindergarten disappeared overnight when schools were forced to close at the beginning of the war. After a year of being unemployed, she found that she had few other options.

“I would never have taken the job if I could have afforded not to,” Avramchuk said from her home in Pokrovsk. “But I also wanted to do something to help secure victory, and this was needed.”

The demining work that Nahorna does is urgent in part because more than 55 percent of the country is farmed.

Often called “the breadbasket of Europe,” Ukraine is one of the world’s top exporters of grain. The U.K.-based Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which has been advising the Ukrainian government on demining technology, estimates that landmines have resulted in annual GDP losses of $11 billion.

“Farmers feel the pressure to plow, which is dangerous,” said Jon Cunliffe, the Ukraine country director of Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British nonprofit. “So we need to do as much surveying as possible to reduce the size of the possible contamination.”

The dogs can quickly clear an area of heavy vegetation, which greatly speeds up the process of releasing noncontaminated lands back to farmers. If the area is found to be unsafe, human deminers step in to clear the field manually.

“I’m not brave enough to be on the front line,” 29-year-old Iryna Manzevyta said as she slowly and diligently hovered a metal detector over a patch of farmland. “But I had to do something to help, and this seemed like a good alternative to make a difference.”

Groups like MAG are increasingly targeting women. With skilled male deminers regularly being picked up by military recruiters, recruiting women reduces the chances that expensive and time-consuming training will be invested in people who could be drafted to the front line at a moment’s notice. The demining work is expected to take decades, and women, unlike men, cannot be conscripted in Ukraine.

This urgency to recruit women is accelerating a gender shift already underway in the demining sector. Organizations like MAG have looked to recruit women as a way to empower them in local communities. Demining was once a heavily male-dominated sector, but women now make up 30 percent of workers in Vietnam and Colombia, around 40 percent in Cambodia, and more than 50 percent in Myanmar.

In Ukraine, the idea is to make demining an enterprise with “very little expat footprint,” and Cunliffe said that will only be possible by recruiting more women.

“We should not be here in 10 years. Not like in Iraq or South Sudan, where we have been for 30 years, or Vietnam, or Laos,” Cunliffe said. “It’s common sense that we bring in as many women as we can to do that. In five to 10 years, a lot of these women are going to end up being technical field managers, the jobs that are currently being done by old former British military guys, and it will change the face of demining worldwide because they can take those skills across the world.”

Manzevyta is one of the many women whose new job has turned her family dynamics on their head. She has handed over her previous life, running a small online beauty retail site, to her husband, who—though he gripes—stays at home while she is out demining.

“Life is completely different now,” she said, giggling. “I had to teach him how to use the washing machine, which settings to use, everything around the house because I’m mostly absent now.”

More seriously, Manzevyta said that the war has likely changed many women’s career trajectories.

“I can’t imagine people who have done work like this going back and working as florists once the war is over,” she laughed.

[probablyasocialecologist]

The cryptocurrency hype of the past few years already started to introduce people to these problems. Despite producing little to no tangible benefits — unless you count letting rich people make money off speculation and scams — Bitcoin consumed more energy and computer parts than medium-sized countries and crypto miners were so voracious in their energy needs that they turned shuttered coal plants back on to process crypto transactions. Even after the crypto crash, Bitcoin still used more energy in 2023 than the previous year, but some miners found a new opportunity: powering the generative AI boom. The AI tools being pushed by OpenAI, Google, and their peers are far more energy intensive than the products they aim to displace. In the days after ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, Sam Altman called its computing costs “eye-watering” and several months later Alphabet chairman John Hennessy told Reuters that getting a response from Google’s chatbot would “likely cost 10 times more” than using its traditional search tools. Instead of reassessing their plans, major tech companies are doubling down and planning a massive expansion of the computing infrastructure available to them.

[...]

As the cloud took over, more computation fell into the hands of a few dominant tech companies and they made the move to what are called “hyperscale” data centers. Those facilities are usually over 10,000 square feet and hold more than 5,000 servers, but those being built today are often many times larger than that. For example, Amazon says its data centers can have up to 50,000 servers each, while Microsoft has a campus of 20 data centers in Quincy, Washington with almost half a million servers between them. By the end of 2020, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google controlled half of the 597 hyperscale data centres in the world, but what’s even more concerning is how rapidly that number is increasing. By mid-2023, the number of hyperscale data centres stood at 926 and Synergy Research estimates another 427 will be built in the coming years to keep up with the expansion of resource-intensive AI tools and other demands for increased computation. All those data centers come with an increasingly significant resource footprint. A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the global energy demand of data centers, AI, and crypto could more than double by 2026, increasing from 460 TWh in 2022 to up to 1,050 TWh — similar to the energy consumption of Japan. Meanwhile, in the United States, data center energy use could triple from 130 TWh in 2022 — about 2.5% of the country’s total — to 390 TWh by the end of the decade, accounting for a 7.5% share of total energy, according to Boston Consulting Group. That’s nothing compared to Ireland, where the IEA estimates data centers, AI, and crypto could consume a third of all power in 2026, up from 17% in 2022. Water use is going up too: Google reported it used 5.2 billion gallons of water in its data centers in 2022, a jump of 20% from the previous year, while Microsoft used 1.7 billion gallons in its data centers, an increase of 34% on 2021. University of California, Riverside researcher Shaolei Ren told Fortune, “It’s fair to say the majority of the growth is due to AI.” But these are not just large abstract numbers; they have real material consequences that a lot of communities are getting fed up with just as the companies seek to massively expand their data center footprints.

9 February 2024

[fatehbaz]

On April 21, Ali Hussein Julood, a 21-year-old living in the Iraqi town of Rumaila, on the outskirts of one of the world’s largest oil fields, died from leukaemia. He was told by doctors that pollution from gas flared in the nearby field, which is operated by British Petroleum (BP), had likely caused his cancer. “Gas flaring” is a low-cost procedure used by oil companies to burn off the natural gas expelled during drilling. [...] [I]t also contributes to global warming [...]. Some of the pollutants released during this process, such as benzene, are known to cause cancers and respiratory diseases. Ali, who had been battling cancer for six years when he died, was only the latest victim of the environmental degradation caused by international oil companies like BP in Iraq.

In towns and villages near the country’s vast oil fields, thousands of other men, women and children are still living under smoke-filled skies and suffering avoidable health problems because company executives insist on putting profit before lives. [...]

[A] confidential report from the Iraqi health ministry recently obtained by the BBC blamed pollution from gas flaring, among other factors, for a 20 percent rise in cancer in Basra, southern Iraq between 2015 and 2018. A second leaked document, again seen by the BBC, from the local government in Basra showed that cancer cases in the region are three times higher than figures published in the official nationwide cancer registry.

Like many other problems and crises that are devastating the lives of ordinary Iraqis today, the chain of events that led to the poisoning of southern Iraq’s skies by international oil companies also started during colonial times.

---

In the early 20th century, as its navy transitioned from coal to petrol, Britain found itself in increasing need of oil to run its empire and fuel its numerous war efforts. [...] In 1912, Britain formed the Turkish Petroleum Company (TPC) with the purpose of acquiring concessions from the Ottoman Empire to explore for oil in Mesopotamia. Following World War I, it brought modern-day Iraq under its own mandate [...]. By 1930, the TPC was renamed the Iraqi Petroleum Company (IPC) and was put under the control of a consortium made up of BP, Total, Shell and several other American companies. Together, they pushed for a series of “concession agreements” with the newly formed Iraqi government which would give them exclusive control of Iraq’s oil resources on pre-defined terms for long periods. By 1938, the IPC and its various subsidiaries had already secured the right to extract and export virtually all the oil in Iraq for 75 years. These concessions were granted to the IPC and its subsidiaries while Iraq was ruled by British-installed monarchs and under de facto British control. Thus the state had almost no negotiating power against the British-led consortium [...] In 1955, the Iraqi government started to voice its desire to use the gas being flared in Rumaila and Zubair for electricity generation. In 1960, while negotiating a concession with the IPC, then-Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Karim Qasim formally asked the company to let Iraq exploit the gas that it was not using. The same demand came up again and again [...], but IPC and its subsidiaries repeatedly turned the Iraqi government down. [...]

Following the 2003 invasion, the Iraqi oil industry was once again privatised as a result of pressure from the US and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As was the case in the early 20th century, any negotiations on oil extraction rights took place when Iraq was still under foreign occupation [...]. When the process of auctioning off oil fields in southern Iraq began in 2008, the Iraqi government offered foreign oil companies long contracts of up to 25 years, reminiscent of the early concessions agreements with the IPC. These included stabilisation clauses, which insulated foreign companies from legal changes that might emerge over the course of their contracts. This meant that the companies were, and continue to be, unaffected by any environmental regulations passed by the Iraqi government to reduce pollution [...].

---

Looking back at the development of the oil industry in southern Iraq makes apparent that the kind of pollution that killed Ali has been in the making for some 70 years. His death – like the deaths of many others who succumbed to pollution-related cancers in his country – was not an unavoidable tragedy, but the natural consequence of a long history of colonial violence and extractive capitalism.

Predatory colonial practices that began over a century ago caused southern Iraq’s vast oil reserves to be left under the sole control of foreign companies today – companies that over and over again put profit before the lives of the Iraqi inhabitants of the lands they exploit.

Ali’s death is yet more proof that colonial violence is far from over and that it has many different faces.

---

Text by: Taif Alkhudary. “Southern Iraq’s toxic skies are a colonial legacy.” Al Jazeera (English). 12 June 2023. [Some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

A new report from a team of international scientists has revealed harsh realities on Earth, with 25 of 35 planetary vital signs reaching record extremes. Without immediate action, scientists warn that these extremes could threaten life on Earth.

In the new study, published in the journal BioScience, scientists presented a stark look at the state of the climate crisis.

“We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster. This is a global emergency beyond any doubt. Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is imperiled. We are stepping into a critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis,” the scientists wrote.

Scientists use 35 different planetary vital signs to track the effects of climate change, including human population, global tree cover loss, meat production per capita, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, ice mass changes, glacier thickness and more.

Twenty-five of these vital signs are already breaking records, including human population, coal and oil consumption, ruminant livestock populations, U.S. heat-related deaths, carbon emissions, methane levels, fossil fuel subsidies, ocean heat content changes, ocean acidification, glacier thickness and tree cover loss, among others.

According to the scientists, the human population is increasing by around 200,000 people per day, while ruminant livestock populations are increasing by around 170,000 animals per day. They also found that fossil fuel consumption increased 1.5% in 2023.

A separate report, the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment, recently confirmed a decrease in tree cover, with 6.3 million hectares of land deforested in 2023.

Although the scientists did find that renewable energy consumption increased in 2023, renewables are still not overtaking fossil fuel demand enough to limit severe impacts of climate change.

Further, scientists warned that atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane concentrations have reached record highs, the average surface temperature of the Earth is at a record high, ocean acidity has broken records, ocean heating is at an all-time high, and global sea levels are at the highest amounts ever recorded. 

On the other hand, Greenland and Antarctic ice masses have reached record lows, and the average global glacier thickness is at an all-time low.

We are already seeing the devastating impacts of these vital signs hitting extremes, with a 117% increase in heat deaths in the U.S. from 1999 to 2023. Last year, areas across Asia experienced deadly heat waves that killed thousands of people, the report authors warned.

Now, the U.S. is facing two back-to-back hurricanes amid rising ocean temperatures, which have nearly doubled in the past two decades, a recent report from EU Copernicus found.

[camoftarakas]

Gonna be super for real, here is my masterpost of why its important for me that you take advantage of your right to vote to choose Kamala Harris.

Section 1: Personal Issues

I am a transgender person. I live where i'm pretty sure it will be safe to do so for the next 4 years, but not only should i not risk it, i shouldn't be willing to send my trans family into danger, especially the young ones. Republicans are making a big point out of removing the Trans agenda from schools. what the fuck does this mean? right now the target is that teachers, counselors, school faculty who hear a child is trans will be obliged to report it to their home. this is a direct danger to the next generation. If you do not hide who you are, it may be ripped out of you. Children will feel they are better dead than being out. and adults who abuse queer kids will not be held accountable.

I am an autistic and disabled person. Donald Trump and his cronies think vaccines cause autism. this is absurdly hateful, but beyond that they call for pullbacks and regulation for vaccines. For an incredibly safe, incredibly guarded piece of protection against disease, regulation means less access to medicine. More epidemics, more sick people, shorter lives for the disabled.

Section 2: Domestic Issues

the full access to abortion and childcare must be restored. the two are forever linked, and both are essential healthcare. people in my life benefit from this, your neighbors benefit from this, human beings benefit from this.

whoever is in charge has the sole ability to appoint supreme court judges for 4 years. The court can not become further packed against us, whoever you are, because they are not shy about infringing the rights of your neighbors or your family on party lines.

the ability for people to only just get by under a Republican presidency will be gutted. tax cuts for the wealthy are not just immoral, but the government can not operate on less income. The burden comes down on those who deserve it least. Hunger, homelessness, freezing, overheating, death.

voting rights are the target of Republicans, especially for the most reliable opposition: Black and Latino Americans. this is happening now in states desperate to suppress minority voices, or to assimilate them into a regressive white culture of last century. If that isn't bad enough, voter suppression is sure to expand to any dissident population. The future is on the line.

Section 3: Global Issues

Donald Trump uses dog whistles to express israeli support. He calls democrats "Hamas", claims they are "Destroying Israel", calls jewish people delusional for supporting them. There isn't a perfect palestinian candidate. that is all but explicitly banned in politics. Vice president Harris will be clipped out of context saying that she vaguely supports Israel's right to self defense, because that is the most she can say without causing panic and confusion. If elected, Kamala Harris would be the most pro-Palestinian president ever, and it's not any amount of praise to say that. But she seeks solution, the end of Israel's control of them, the acknowledgement that what is happening there is unconscionable. MAGA has trained us to think that a vote to a candidate is a total endorsement of all their actions and word-of-mouth values, but it is the NORMAL and DECENT thing to do to demand better from the person you elect. Donald Trump is in Netanyahu's pocket, you won't get anywhere asking him not to rain terror on Palestine.

Ukraine has a right to self-governance as well. Republicans would pull support, and hold more conferences with Putin than with our allies across the world.

Republicans will refuse investment into clean energy. Trump's last presidency saw a resurgence in Coal, and ramblings about dead birds. Republican control will hold back any responses to the climate disaster another 4 years.

Section 4: Closing Thoughts

A US president can not fix the world. A US president can't even fix their own country. But god damn it don't give in to assured worsening. don't vote for third party; they're not gonna win, they're not gonna win next time, the point you want to make will fall on deaf ears; the time and place is not now or here. don't skip voting, 1/3 of americans don't vote because they don't think their voice makes a difference. vote in every category, there are important issues left to you. You may not turn your state, but you can turn a policy, or your city, or your county, or your representative, or make sure people in your district get a fair trail with a good judge, or that a good person is in charge of your schools. vote like your neighbors life depends on it; it does. vote like the world depends on it; it does. vote like it's the least you can do; it is. You have to participate in this one simple task, flawed as it may be, to not be a hypocrite when you ask for change, when you ask for progress, when you ask for justice. You can elect people who serve you, not who demand you serve them. You can choose to take a step forward, instead of standing still while you're dragged backwards with the rest of us. you can save lives, real lives! you fucking matter, every time, but please for the love of god, do the bare minimum at least this time. And after we're done, we'll go out, and ask for more, ask for better, because government is for us and they need to listen to us, forever, whoever.

[eninrac-consulting]

Deciphering India's Coal Shortage: Myth, Perception, or Reality? | Eninrac Reports

Exploring the Global Coal Demand: Plateaued in the West, Strong Growth in the East. Analyzing India's Coal Situation

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - February 13, 2023

Hello there! Welcome to another edition of ‘Feel Good Newsletter’. I'm so glad you're here. Every week, I scour the web for the most uplifting and heartwarming stories to bring you a little bit of joy and inspiration. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive in!

1. Minnesota House passes "universal" school meals, providing free breakfast, lunch to students

The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a bill that would provide universal school meals to all students in the state, regardless of their families' ability to pay. The goal of the bill is to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals and are better equipped to learn in the classroom.

If the bill is approved, Minnesota would become the second state in the country, after California, to offer universal school meals. The bill has the support of education and anti-hunger advocates, who argue that it would help to address food insecurity and improve student health and academic performance.

2. Ukraine succeeds in bringing back 128 children forcibly removed to Russia

Ukraine has succeeded in bringing back 128 children forcibly taken by the invaders to Russia.

Source: Yuliia Usenko, Head of the Department for the Protection of the Interests of Children and Combating Violence of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, quoted by Ukrinform

Quote: "We have managed to bring 128 children back to Ukraine. More than 50 of them, together with their parents or guardians, are currently in EU countries.

3. Putting solar panels in grazing fields is good for sheep

A study found that installing solar panels in grazing fields is beneficial for sheep. The study was conducted in the UK and found that sheep were more likely to spend time in areas with solar panels than in areas without. This is because the panels provide shade and shelter from the sun, wind, and rain.

The researchers believe that this could help to improve the welfare of sheep, as they are more likely to seek out shade in hot weather, which can reduce the risk of heat stress. The study also found that the solar panels had little impact on the growth and health of the grass, which is important for the sheep's diet.

4. Dad takes toddler son for a manicure after teacher says it's 'only for girls'

The father and son were at a "Daddy and Me" event, where fathers were encouraged to spend time with their children doing various activities. The father chose to take his son to get a manicure, but was told by the teacher in charge of the activity that it was only for girls. The father was reportedly surprised and upset by the teacher's statement, as he felt that it was important for his son to be able to express himself however he wants, without gender stereotypes getting in the way.

The article notes that the incident highlights the ongoing issue of gender stereotypes and the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusivity, especially in children's activities.

4. More than half of new U.S. electric-generating capacity in 2023 will be solar, and only 14% will be using fossil fuels

Information Administration (EIA), energy production in the country increased for the fourth consecutive week. The EIA data showed that the output of oil, natural gas, and coal rose by 1.6%, 2.2%, and 3.2% respectively. The increase in energy production is due to a combination of factors, including improved drilling techniques, favorable weather conditions, and rising global demand for energy.

5. Deforestation in Brazil falls by 60% in first month under Lula

Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil fell for the first time this year, according to a report by Reuters. The decrease is attributed to increased enforcement of environmental regulations and increased monitoring of illegal logging activities. The Brazilian government has implemented several measures to reduce deforestation and preserve the Amazon rainforest, which is a critical component of the global ecosystem.

6. Cat returned to NJ shelter for being 'too affectionate' now happy in his new home

A cat named Bruno surrendered to a shelter in New Jersey and was eventually adopted by a new family. Bruno, who was described as a friendly and affectionate cat, is now happily settling into his new home. The story of Bruno's adoption serves as a reminder of the importance of animal shelters and the work they do to find loving homes for abandoned pets.

7. A doggy day care was on fire. Neighbors helped save all 115 dogs inside.

A fire broke out at a doggy daycare and resort in Seattle, causing significant damage to the building. No dogs or employees were injured in the fire, but several dogs had to be temporarily relocated to other facilities. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the resort is working to make repairs and get back to serving the community's four-legged friends as soon as possible.

- - -

That's it for this week. If you liked this post you can support this newsletter with a small kofi donation:

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Have a great week ahead :)

[mining-market]

Exploring the Growth Trajectory of the Coal Mining Industry by 2027

Coal has long stood as a cornerstone of the global energy sector, serving as a primary source for electricity generation and industrial fuel. Despite mounting concerns about environmental impacts and the emergence of renewable energy alternatives, the coal mining market continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth. In this blog, we will delve into the factors propelling the growth of the coal mining market, supported by statistical insights and industry trends.

Market Size and Projections:

Statistical data unveils a robust growth trajectory for the global Coal Mining Market. In 2020, the market size was estimated at USD 869.5 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2021 to 2027. This growth is underpinned by increasing energy demand from emerging economies, industrial expansion, and the persistent reliance on coal for electricity generation.

Regional Dynamics:

The Asia Pacific region dominates the global coal mining market, boasting the largest market share in both production and consumption. Nations like China and India emerge as major coal producers and consumers, fueled by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and infrastructure development. North America and Europe also wield significant influence in the coal mining market, albeit with a stronger emphasis on environmental regulations and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Key Market Drivers:

Several factors are steering the growth of the coal mining market:

Energy Demand: Coal remains a primary energy source for electricity generation, particularly in developing economies with burgeoning populations and expanding industrial sectors. The affordability and reliability of coal-fired power plants sustain its demand.

Industrialization: Coal finds extensive use in industrial processes such as steel production, cement manufacturing, and chemical synthesis, driving demand for coal mining. Industries leverage coal for its high energy content and cost-effectiveness compared to alternative fuels.

Infrastructure Development: Coal plays an indispensable role in infrastructure endeavors, including road construction, railway networks, and urban expansion. As countries invest in infrastructure to bolster economic growth and urbanization, the demand for coal for construction materials and energy remains robust.

Technological Advancements:

The coal mining industry is witnessing technological innovations aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Innovations such as automated mining equipment, remote monitoring systems, and advanced coal processing technologies bolster productivity and curtail operational costs. Moreover, endeavors are underway to develop cleaner coal technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and coal gasification to mitigate environmental impacts.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite its growth potential, the coal mining market grapples with challenges such as environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and competition from alternative energy sources. Nevertheless, these challenges also present avenues for innovation and diversification. Coal mining entities are exploring cleaner coal technologies, diversifying into renewable energy sectors, and investing in carbon offset initiatives to mitigate their environmental footprint and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

Future Outlook:

The future of the Coal Mining Market is characterized by a blend of challenges and opportunities. While the transition towards cleaner energy sources and escalating environmental regulations pose hurdles, the sustained demand for coal in emerging economies and industrial domains offers avenues for expansion and innovation. The coal mining industry must navigate these dynamics by embracing sustainable practices, adopting advanced technologies, and diversifying portfolios to maintain competitiveness in a swiftly evolving energy landscape.

Conclusion:

The coal mining market continues to showcase resilience and growth, propelled by factors like energy demand, industrialization, and infrastructure development. Despite confronting challenges from environmental and regulatory fronts, the industry is adapting to shifting market dynamics through technological innovation and diversification. As the world endeavors to strike a balance between economic prosperity and environmental sustainability, coal mining entities play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the global energy sector.

[crop-protection-market]

Exploring the Coal Mining Market Growth, Share, and Major Players

The Coal Mining Market stands as a fundamental pillar, providing the essential fuel for global energy production. This comprehensive exploration delves into the nuanced intricacies of the market, shedding light on its growth trajectories, size, demand dynamics, challenges, global presence, competitive landscape, forecasts, research reports, and the major players shaping the industry's trajectory.

Fueling Progress: The Growth Trajectory of Coal Mining Market

The market serves as an indispensable contributor to the world's energy demands. In understanding the growth trajectory, it's essential to dissect the factors propelling its expansion. The Global Coal Mining Market has experienced commendable growth, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% over the last five years. This sustained growth is attributable to the unwavering reliance on coal for electricity generation, particularly in emerging economies.

Regional Dynamics:

Regional disparities in growth patterns exist, with Asia-Pacific dominating the coal mining landscape. China, India, and Australia emerge as pivotal contributors, fueled by their burgeoning economies and significant coal reserves.

Sizing Up the Industry: Coal Mining Market Size and Demand

Understanding the market's size and the dynamics driving coal demand is imperative for stakeholders seeking holistic insights into the industry. The current valuation of the Global Coal Mining Market exceeds USD 695 billion, indicative of its substantial influence. The demand for coal surpasses 8 billion metric tons annually, driven primarily by the insatiable energy needs of industries and the power sector.

Click here – To Know more about this industry

Meeting Energy Needs: Exploring Coal Mining Market Demand

The demand for coal intricately aligns with global energy requirements, making it imperative to dissect the factors shaping demand and its pivotal role in meeting diverse energy needs.

Energy Generation Backbone:

Coal's significance in electricity generation remains pronounced, contributing to over 40% of the world's electricity. The reliable and consistent energy output from coal-fired power plants positions it as a critical contributor to the global energy mix.

Overcoming Hurdles: Coal Mining Market Challenges

Despite its integral role, the coal mining industry faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from environmental concerns to the shifting dynamics of the global market.

Environmental Concerns and Market Dynamics:

Stringent environmental regulations pose a substantial challenge, prompting the industry to pivot towards cleaner technologies and sustainable mining practices. The perpetual challenge lies in finding the delicate balance between meeting energy needs and environmental stewardship. The evolving landscape of the global energy market, with a growing emphasis on renewable sources, presents a challenge for the coal mining industry. Adapting to these market dynamics requires strategic foresight and innovative approaches.

Global Reach of the Global Coal Mining Market

The coal mining industry's influence extends far beyond national borders, necessitating an examination of the global landscape and the role of key players in shaping its dynamics.

Major Players and Market Competitors:

Leading companies, including Coal India Limited, China Shenhua Energy, and BHP Billiton, command the industry. Their strategic investments, technological advancements, and sustainable practices contribute significantly to their competitive positions on the global stage. The competition within the coal mining sector is fierce, with major players engaging in strategic maneuvers to secure resources and market dominance. Collaboration, innovation, and sustainability initiatives define their competitive strategies.

Forecasting the Future: Coal Mining Market Forecast

Anticipating future trends and trajectories is integral for strategic planning within the coal mining industry. Despite challenges and the growing emphasis on renewable energy, the coal mining market is forecasted to maintain a stable trajectory with a modest annual growth rate of 2%. The continued demand for coal in steel production and power generation contributes to this resilience.

Insights from the Earth: Coal Mining Market Research Reports

Informed decision-making within the industry relies on robust research, emphasizing the significance of Coal Mining Market Research Reports in providing actionable insights for stakeholders. An annual influx of 25 comprehensive research reports enriches the industry's knowledge base. These reports cover diverse aspects, including market dynamics, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, offering valuable guidance for strategic planning.

Pillars of the Industry

Certain players lead the way, steering the industry towards innovation and sustainability. Coal Mining Market Major players, such as Peabody Energy and Glencore, are pioneers in clean coal technologies and sustainability practices. Their efforts align with the industry's evolution towards more environmentally responsible mining, ensuring a balance between energy needs and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

The Coal Mining Market remains a linchpin in global energy production, overcoming challenges and evolving to meet changing demands. As the industry navigates environmental concerns, explores cleaner technologies, and adapts to market dynamics, its steadfast role in powering economies underscores its enduring significance.

[zvaigzdelasas]

8 Jan 24