As the world moves to combat climate change, it’s increasingly doubtful that coal will continue to be a viable energy source, because of its high greenhouse gas emissions. But coal played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution and continues to fuel some of the world’s largest economies. This series looks at coal’s past, present and uncertain future.
![](https://images.theconversation.com/files/126896/original/image-20160616-19925-1vbxrwo.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip)