Coal, Progress, and the Human Cost in India

India is now the fastest growing major economy in the world, and much of that expansion is still powered by coal. This reliance carries a significant cost, as the country experiences some of the most severe air pollution anywhere, which has a clear and measurable effect on life expectancy. While many developed nations have already made substantial progress in removing coal from their energy systems, the transition is far more challenging for India due to its scale, development needs, and rising energy demand.