New Climate Corner: AsiaOne’s Eco‐Vibe Refresh
Hey eco‑enthusiasts! AsiaOne just rolled out EarthOne, a fresh news beat that’s all about the planet and the science that keeps it spinning. Want to keep your green thumb glued to the latest updates? Dive right into the section.
Coal‑Cutting Countdown: The World’s Big Power Play
Big news from the TransitionZero climate think tank: if we’re serious about staving off the 1.5 °C temperature target, we’ll need to shut down almost 3,000 coal‑burning power plants by 2030. That’s nearly 1,000 gigawatts of coal firepower — a gargantuan amount that’s been heating up our atmosphere.
- 3000 Plants Demolition – Every day until 2030, we’ll need to retire one plant. Think of it as a 10‑year obstacle course, but with coal instead of hurdles.
- Current Load – Over 2,000 GW of coal power is humming around the globe today. We’re looking at a 50% cut‑back.
- China’s Big Role – China owns roughly half the world’s coal plants. It’s on the front lines now, because 92% of its energy still leans on coal. Whether you like it or not, the next big chapter is headed there.
Matt Gray, the brains behind the report, says the easy math is: “Half the effort? China. No kidding.” He also notes that China has already trimmed its share of coal from 72.4% in 2005 down to 56.8% last year, but the total liters of coal STILL keep climbing. President Xi promised the world that coal cuts would kick in after 2025, so the next few years are going to be hot.
Why the Rush? Energy Crunch Sparks Urgency
Recent energy hiccups have rattled factories into shutdown and put winter heating under threat. The government’s white‑board looks a little rushed: keep the lights on, keep the furnaces roaring — all that, until electricity for everyone is secure.
- Exporting Excess – Coal plant operators may soon be forced to sell on the wholesale market, where they’ll compete with renewable rivals. That’s a stern economic smack that’ll highlight how over‑priced coal has become.
- Hopeful Alarm Bells – Gray’s optimistic line: “May this crisis be the wake‑up call that shows coal’s limitations.” Think of it as a harsh but enlightening rock‑solid lesson.
So, picture it this way: China will stand at the epicenter of a global coal backlash, juggling factories, heating belts, but (dojo‑style) pushing the country into a cleaner energy renaissance. The world will keep an eye on those coal plants as we race to a greener, hotter, yet cooler future.
