As the hosts of COP30, Brazil's president has lamented the reopening of coal plants due to the war in Ukraine. However, despite producing over 80% of their country's energy with renewables, coal plants continue to roar as powerful business owners and local jobs make the transition away from fossil fuels complicated.
Breakdown
- The Canjiota coal plant in southern Brazil resumed operations with major business investment.
- Over 80% of Brazil's electricity comes from renewable sources, but coal still provides 3%. 21s
- Lawmakers approved a bill granting coal plants contracts until 2040, though a presidential veto is possible. 1m 14s
- Local economies and jobs are heavily dependent on coal, with 10,000 jobs at risk if plants close. 1m 39s
- Brazil lacks a transition plan for coal-dependent communities like Canjiota. 2m 4s