World coal body wants "reality-based assessment" in COP28, says most coal pollutants can be abated

In anticipation of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), due to commence in the UAE later this month, FutureCoal - The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, has underscored the necessity for a reality-based assessment at every COP. They contend that all fuels and technologies, as initially proposed in the Paris Agreement, ought to be included.

Michelle Manook, Chief Executive of FutureCoal, in a CNBC-TV18 interview, stated that 99% of coal pollutants can be abated by utilising known technologies. She advocated for the inclusion of coal to establish a level playing field in abatement technologies, which would genuinely reduce emissions and decarbonise.

Manook also commented on the energy transition in underdeveloped and developing economies. She emphasised the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of nations and noted that all nations her organisation has collaborated with strive to achieve the best economic and environmental outcomes for themselves.

She advised against a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasising that whilst the world is one, all nations and economies have different starting points. She added that pragmatism and reality-based messaging are crucial.

The global coal body, recently renamed from the World Coal Association (WCA) as part of its transformative rebranding, has advocated for a "realistic and sensible" energy transition.

Manook highlighted the vital role of coal in the future energy transition. She stressed the importance of examining its value chain before, at, and beyond combustion, considering factors like efficiency, waste management, and recycling.

Manook called for the inclusion of all fuels in government policy and financing to create a level playing field. She praised India's role in deploying technologies in the coal industry, stating that the Indian coal industry is already implementing best practices in digitisation, methane management, innovation, and underground mining. She also noted that issues critical to the upstream sector are being considered.