Portugal is the third country within the EU to cease burning of coal early. The move to phase out coal follows a rise in carbon prices and pollution permits, coupled with competition from more sustainable energy sources. Increased knowledge about how the burning of the coal impacts the climate and environment, as the highest polluting fossil fuel, has also encouraged many utility businesses to address their production strategies in light of the The Paris Agreement on climate change.
Belgium banned the use of coal in 2016, and earlier this year Austria and Sweden added to the fast-growing list.
To learn more about climate change and clean energy, our Learning Resource pages on Goals 7 and 13 are available to help with handy tips and links!
