China’s coal use warms planet

Thu., Aug. 22, 2013

The generally accepted cause of global warming is the expanding production of carbon dioxide from the combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The U.S. population is now 370 million, and planet Earth’s is approaching 7 billion. China now pours out 9 billion tons of CO2 per year, 30 percent of the global total. It currently consumes 400 tons of coal equivalent per $1 million of GNP, roughly double the rate of the United States or Europe.

Rising sea levels and desertification of formerly arable farm and forest lands are evidence of global warming. These issues far outweigh the incremental income from an expanded coal export facility.

The old adage “keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole” would seem to apply to this issue.

W. Robert Schwandt

Spokane Valley

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