World’s biggest carbon emitters move to cut coal

The two biggest carbon emitters—the US and China—are now both acting to sharply reduce coal smoke. Two days after Beijing announced large cuts in coal consumption, the Obama Administration today will propose a 40% reduction in average emissions from advanced coal-fired power plants.

The twin reductions—to the degree they are carried out, which will be a political battle in both countries—will go far toward slashing new greenhouse gas emissions since coal is one of the greatest contributors. In both countries, regulators are likely to meet tough resistance, and not only from the industries affected, but by thousands who will lose jobs.

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