In 2023, coal pollution in the Western Balkans surged due to government inaction, with sulphur dioxide emissions from coal plants exceeding legal limits by 5.7 times, according to a report by Bankwatch. This reflects a deterioration from 2022 as countries fail to implement plans for phasing out coal, particularly in North Macedonia. Meanwhile, India reported a 5.85% increase in coal production for fiscal year 2024-25, reaching 411.62 million tonnes, as the sector adapts to energy demands despite adverse weather. Concurrently, West Virginia residents faced a 30% rise in electricity prices since 2013, largely driven by reliance on inefficient coal plants, while income growth lagged at just 10%. Globally, coal consumption hit a record high in 2023, with Asia-Pacific nations, especially China and India, leading the surge, as they accounted for 80% of production. Despite decarbonization efforts, coal remains a significant part of the energy landscape, constituting 26% of total energy consumption worldwide.