The cost to society of coal use includes the financial cost of providing subsidies to the coal industry in addition to the cost of externalities.

This report explores the cost of coal in terms of subsidies and externalities and discusses the extent to which coal subsidies act as a barrier to the development of renewable energy. It finds that China is supporting the coal industry through the provision of billions of dollars’ worth of subsidies to consumers and producers. In addition to the financial cost, these subsidies increase the consumption of coal, producing externalities including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.