China, Asian countries, India, South Africa--they all must phase out the coal-powered industry by 2050.

To meet the 2050 deadline for going to greenhouse energy sources, the Economist contends the nations largely dependent on coal (including those mentioned already) will need loans and grants up to 2030 so as to phase out coal by 2050 (July 1st issue, p. 55).

At the recent Paris meeting, it was thought that the World Bank should offer loans at rates usually for the poorest countries to middle-income countries to meet the 2050 date of phase-out. .Low-income countries, many in need now of debt relief, may not be able to make the transition to green energy, given their financial condition now. Indeed, several countries represented at the Paris meeting called by President Macron contend the pressing issue is not that of debt relief but of climate change.  Somehow, the poorest of countries must be dragged along to make the transition from coal and other carbon products.

It would seem, in sum, that climate change is becoming the major one facing countries concerned to save the planet for human habitation.

My opinion.