Coal

Speaking of global warming, it seems that in the new world, more coal will be burned to make electricity than would have been the case without the pandemic.

I think I understand this article (Econ101 in '68, remember?), which seems to be saying that since coal-fired generating plants in Asia, and especially China, are huge economic drivers, then a very efficient way to stimulate the economies devastated by the shutdowns is to stimulate the construction and maintenance of these dirty behemoths. The funding of renewable energy is more complex, and in a different place than coal (in development and growth, instead of being a well-established foundation of the economy). Renewables do not, apparently, create jobs and economic activity as quickly and efficiently as coal in the new world.

For just a moment, while gazing fondly at those before and after pollution pictures of China it seemed that the new world would be clearer and cleaner. Dolphins in the canals of Venice. Brand new views of the Himalayas. Just for a moment.

The South Korean Democratic Party won a landslide election last month (in the midst of one of the world's strictest lockdowns, no less) partly on the strength of its green new deal. Then it bailed out Doosan Heavy to the tune of two billion dollars. Doosan Heavy “is slated to provide equipment for coal plants in South and Southeast Asia, where emissions standards are lower than in South Korea.” And so, as Kurt Vonnegut would say, it goes.

This is ratcheting in the wrong direction, of course. But what do I know?

UPDATE - 6/30/20 - Now I know a little more:  China continues to roar into its post-pandemic world fueled by coal.