Politics
Energy Crisis Adds New Hurdle to COP26 Goal of Ending Coal
- Spike in natural gas prices is boosting the demand for coal
- Crunch may embolden gas-producing countries such as Russia
A bucket-wheel reclaimer stands next to a pile of coal at the Port of Newcastle in Australia.
Photographer: Bloomberg/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
U.S. and European officials pushing for tougher climate action are worried the energy crunch that’s snarling the global economy could also undermine crucial United Nations talks next month.
Government officials speaking on condition of anonymity said they were concerned that the squeeze in energy markets, surging prices, and the resurgence of coal will cast a shadow over efforts to curb emissions when 197 countries meet at the climate change summit, known as COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland.