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| - Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that building new coal plants disproves the role of CO2 in climate change. We did the fact check and found this claim is false.
The Claim
We received a controversial post on our WhatsApp tip line number +91-85078 85079. According to the Facebook post, the construction of new coal power stations means that CO2 doesn’t affect the climate. It implies that these developments invalidate concerns about CO2’s role in global warming.
Fact Check
Are countries still constructing coal power stations?
Yes, but global reliance on coal is declining. Some countries, particularly in Asia, are building coal plants to meet growing energy demands. Nations like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam rely on coal as a cost-effective energy source to support industrial growth and development. However, global trends show a significant shift towards renewable energy.
Reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlight that many countries are actively phasing out coal to combat climate change. Even in nations expanding coal capacity, renewable energy investments are increasing. For instance, China, one of the largest coal consumers, is also the leading investor in solar and wind energy.
The construction of new coal plants doesn’t negate the fact that CO2 is a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Instead, it reflects the challenges of balancing immediate energy needs with long-term environmental goals. Similarly, we have debunked claims that suggest more CO2 leads to more plants and, therefore, more oxygen. Along similar lines, some people also claim that higher CO2 concentrations improves food production, which is not true.
Does CO2 contribute to climate change?
Yes, CO2 is a major driver of global warming. CO2 traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon, studied for over a century, explains how increased CO2 levels result in higher global temperatures. Research from NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) consistently supports this conclusion.
Coal-fired power plants are among the largest sources of CO2 emissions. In 2022, they accounted for about 40% of global CO2 emissions. Ignoring this evidence makes it seem less urgent to cut emissions and tackle climate change.
Why are some countries still using coal despite climate concerns?
Coal is often used because it’s cheap and easily available, especially in developing countries. Nations like India and Indonesia rely on coal to meet growing energy needs while also tackling issues like poverty and boosting their economies.
At the same time, these countries are working towards cleaner energy solutions. For example, India has set a goal to get 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. This shows that even countries heavily dependent on coal understand the importance of shifting to sustainable energy.
Does building coal plants mean CO2 is harmless?
No, building coal plants doesn’t mean CO2 is harmless. The claim mixes up two separate ideas. Just because coal plants exist doesn’t change the strong evidence that CO2 drives climate change. Excess CO2 disrupts the balance of the atmosphere, leading to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and damage to ecosystems.
Even countries building coal plants recognise the dangers of CO2 and are making long-term plans to cut emissions. The claim in the graphic oversimplifies the issue and misleads people about the science behind climate change.
Is the global shift towards renewable energy significant?
Yes, the world is shifting towards cleaner energy. While some regions are still building coal plants, global efforts to fight climate change are picking up speed. The European Union, the United States, and China are all taking steps to reduce coal use and increase renewable energy.
For instance, China is aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 and is making big investments in solar and wind power. The European Union, on the other hand, plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. These actions highlight the global push to reduce CO2 emissions and move towards more sustainable energy sources.
THIP Media Take
The claim that building new coal plants disproves the role of CO2 in climate change is false. CO2 is a proven driver of climate change, and the construction of coal plants doesn’t change that. While some countries still build coal plants for economic reasons, it doesn’t lessen the need to cut CO2 emissions worldwide. Claims like this downplay the seriousness of climate change and the need to move towards cleaner energy solutions.
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