nonrenewablescoal

Coal is a solid fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. It is nonrenewable because its formation takes far longer than current consumption, making sustainable supply uncertain at present rates. Coal is commonly classified by carbon content and energy yield into lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. Bituminous coal is the most widely used for electricity and heat, while higher-grade coal is also used in steelmaking as coking coal.

Global production concentrates in several countries, including China, India, the United States, Indonesia, and Australia. Proven reserves are finite and depend on price and technology; at current production rates they are sufficient for decades to over a century, but future demand and discoveries can alter that outlook.

Environmental and health impacts of coal include high carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, which affect climate and air quality. Mining can cause landscape disruption, water contamination, and habitat loss. These impacts drive regulation and movements toward cleaner energy and emission-control technologies.

Mitigation and policy responses include emissions controls on power plants, carbon capture and storage, and economic shifts toward natural gas and renewable energy. In some regions coal remains a stable energy source due to existing infrastructure and cost, while others rapidly phase it out.

See also: coal mining, coal power, metallurgical coal, carbon capture and storage.