- Coal currently produces 62% of the world's electricity and is the most abundant fossil fuel, with enough reserves to last 200 years. However, coal also has significant disadvantages, including dangerous mining practices, major carbon emissions contributing to climate change, and air pollution from transporting and burning coal. - The top five countries by coal reserves are the United States, Russia, China, Australia, and India. Under the New Policies Scenario, global coal demand is projected to grow slowly by 0.4% per year on average to 2040 due to policies supporting renewable energy. China's coal imports are expected to decline over 50% by 2040 as its demand shifts.