China's attempts at modernising its energy industry will cause more than 100,000 coal workers to be laid off immediately, while hundreds of thousands more will be retrenched in the coming years. The state-owned coal conglomerate, which employs three million workers, intends to close down 30 mines this year, after determining their level of efficiency.
In Britain, however, where the government has had to rescind on its efforts to shut down coal mining, a non-governmental organisation, Friends of the Earth, has unveiled a plan that would provide a market for 40 million tonnes of coal by 2005. The FoE plan envisages switching off all nuclear power plants producing 10 per cent of power from renewables and halting the policy of dash-for-gas.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.