When burned, coal contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Coal, when burned for energy production, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). As one of the most carbon-intensive fossil fuels, coal generates much higher CO2 emissions compared to natural gas or oil. In addition to CO2, coal combustion releases other harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to acid rain and smog. Due to its high environmental impact, there is growing pressure to reduce coal use in favor of cleaner energy sources like renewable power and natural gas, which emit fewer greenhouse gases.