Resisting the Easy Fix: The Limits of Coal as a National Response to Geopolitical Shifts

As global fuel market disruptions and geopolitical tensions revive interest in domestic energy resources, this New York Climate Week event examined whether coal can realistically serve as a pillar of energy security and economic resilience. Drawing on experiences from major coal regions—Poland, Türkiye, China, the United States, and South Africa—experts discussed how recent energy crises are reshaping national coal debates, the true costs of continued reliance, and the benefits of clean alternatives, supporting evidence-based dialogue ahead of COP31. Co-hosted by Forum Energii, the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks, and the Crux Alliance. Speakers Joanna Maćkowiak Pandera, President, Forum Energii, Poland Rabia Ferroukhi, Director, INETTT Secretariat Alkım Bağ Güllü, Director, SHURA Energy Transition Center, Türkiye Kevin Tu, Chief Advisor China, Agora Energiewende Tracy Ledger, Just Transition Programme Lead, Public Affairs Research Institute, South Africa Mary Anne Hitt, Managing Director of U.S. Initiatives, Climate Imperative Moderator: Steve Capanna, Director of Policy, Crux Alliance