Asia's coal parasite

Coal is the number one cause of climate change. And Asia-Pacific will be its main market – 58% of global coal consumption by 2025 - if current trends continue.
Asia-Pacific hosts the largest consumer (China), the largest exporter (Australia) and the largest importer (Japan) of coal globally.

In 2001, 45% of global coal consumption was burned in the region. This is projected to rise to 58% in 2025, an increase of 1.9 billion tonnes per year. Between 2002 and 2030, 55% of power stations built are expected to be coal-fired.

Aside from carbon dioxide, the main culprit behind climate change, coal produces sulphur dioxide that causes acid rain, nitrogen oxides that cause lung-destroying smog, and ash that pollutes the air. Heavy metals and thermal pollution of rivers and marine habitats also result.

Economic analysis has shown that incorporating the external impacts of coal would result in a 200-300% increase in the price of coal power. The World Bank estimates acid rain impacts across the region at $90 billion annually. But, these figures have not been used to reform energy policy.

Who pays for the hidden cost of coal?

The true cost of coal in Asia-Pacific cannot be found on any balance sheet, but in the lives and health of its people and ecosystems. This inequity is provoking a reaction. Across the region, networks involving farmers, fisher-folk, civil servants, lawyers, consumers, faith groups, business people, doctors, engineers, academics, students and natural resource managers are coming together to voice their opposition to thoughtless new coal development.

WWF’s Coal Trail initiative works with these local communities and networks in Asia-Pacific to reduce the regions dependency on coal. Coal Trail reveals in a compelling, detailed and real world manner the need for a more democratic and transparent power sector by illustrating how the sector is responsible for climate change and other conservation impacts.

Coal Trail sheds light on the little known maneuverings behind the billion-dollar coal industry. Coal Trail stays abreast of Coal News happening around the world. Coal Trail goes beyond traditional economics and includes the impacts of coal on society, trade, environment, health and energy security in determining the true cost of this technology.


Say no to coal. Get involved. Get on the coal trail. To make a real PowerSwitch! from coal to clean we need support - your support.