On 30 September 2024, at midnight, the United Kingdom closed down its last coal-fired power station. It was a historic moment that marked the end of a 142-year history of coal-powered electricity in Great Britain.
The world’s first public coal-fired power station that provided electricity was Edison Electric Light Station, located in London. It started operating in 1882, providing energy for street lighting and some private residences. Though it closed after a few years, it had a huge impact; coal quickly became the dominant fuel for producing electricity.
Forty years ago, coal still generated 80% of the UK’s electricity. However, due to coal’s greenhouse gas emissions and its harmful effects on human health, the UK decided to phase out coal. It was the first country in the world to give itself a deadline. Now the government has stated it wants to generate all electricity from renewables by 2030.
Lord Deben, a former Secretary for the Environment, said these policies set a good example and a benchmark for other countries to follow: “Because you need someone to point to and say, ‘There, they've done it. Why can’t we do it?’”
Pair up with one of your classmates and look at the proposition below; one of you will argue in favour of it and the other will argue against it.
Proposition: It’s pointless for one country to phase out of coal if all the others don’t.
(Carlo Dellonte)
(Image: enviromantic, istockphotos.com)
