India Remains Reliant On Coal As It Tries To Switch To Renewables

SONBHADRA, INDIA - NOVEMBER 23: A worker sprays water to help settle pollution caused by truck and coal-loading activity at a coal mine on November 23, 2021 in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh India. India is rapidly transitioning to renewables, investing in widespread solar and wind installations, though it still remains reliant on coal for about 70% of its energy needs, media reports said. India's heavy reliance on coal was a key issue at the recent Cop26 conference. Many coal-producing regions within the country remain essential for the functioning of the economy, employing many thousands of laborers, though they have been criticized for what activists say is their contribution to air and groundwater pollution, as well as for the detrimental effects coal-related pollution is said to have on respiratory diseases. (Photo by Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images)