The true cost of coal in China

"The report estimates the external costs to China of using coal. The term “external” incorporates air and water pollution, ecosystem degradation, damage to infrastructure, human injuries and loss of life, and takes into account the distortion of government regulations."

"...in 2007 alone, on average, each tonne of coal used in China caused environmental damages of RMB 150. The total external costs of coal use in 2007 reached RMB 1.7 trillion, equal to 7.1 per cent of China’s 2007 GDP."

HT: Samir Kiran Doshi via GIEE list.