Global Coal Use Predicted to Keep Growing

Global consumption of coal, a major source of the greenhouse gases blamed for rising global temperatures and other pollutants, is likely to continue to grow at "a relentless pace" through 2018, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.

"Like it or not, coal is here to stay for a long time to come," Maria van der Hoeven, the agency's executive director, said in a conference call with reporters on Monday.

The report, released Monday by the I.E.A. in Paris, underscores the dilemma facing the world with regard to coal.  Because coal is relatively inexpensive and abundant, it remains the dominant fuel for the generation of electricity, especially in developing countries.  Yet burning coal is also highly polluting.

Global Coal Use Predicted to Keep Growing