Coal’s Comeback: How AI’s Energy Demands Are Reviving a Polluting Power Source

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis, reports that coal is making a surprising comeback despite years of decline. While U.S. coal use has dropped to 12% of electricity generation and China has cut back, the growing energy demands of AI and other applications are reviving coal-fired power plants. Renewable energy is not expanding quickly enough to meet demand, forcing utilities to rely on coal once again. This reversal threatens global efforts to combat climate change and highlights the urgent need for cleaner energy solutions.