Energy and the environment: the impact of fossil fuels on the environment

In coal-fired electricity generation, much can be achieved with current technologies. Modern designs offer levels of efficiency and economy in advance of older plant in many developing countries - the steady construction of such plant to meet new demand, and to replace plant at the end of its life, will greatly reduce emissions. Such technologies can be resourced by the human and financial means available to most countries. Newer technologies are under development, with the world's first commercial units now being commissioned. These technologies will undoubtedly undergo development and cost improvement over the next decade, leading to world-wide application. (author)