What's happened
As countries pursue cleaner energy, the role of coal is under scrutiny. Indonesia, a major coal producer, faces pressure to transition while balancing energy security and economic needs. Australia aims to leverage renewable energy exports as fossil fuel demand declines. South Korea is urged to reassess biomass imports linked to deforestation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights Indonesia's reliance on coal, noting its significant contribution to the country's energy and revenue. President Prabowo Subianto's plans for a gradual phase-down of coal reflect the balancing act between energy security and environmental responsibility. In contrast, The Guardian discusses Australia's potential to lead in renewable energy exports, suggesting that transitioning away from fossil fuels could position the country favorably on the global stage. Meanwhile, The Independent raises concerns about South Korea's biomass imports from Indonesia, urging a reevaluation of sustainability practices to prevent environmental degradation. These perspectives illustrate the complex interplay between energy needs, economic factors, and environmental responsibilities across different nations.
How we got here
The global shift towards renewable energy has intensified debates about coal's future. Countries like Indonesia rely heavily on coal for energy and revenue, while Australia and South Korea are exploring alternatives to fossil fuels amid environmental concerns.
More on these topics
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The International Energy Agency is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i