The graph above depicts coal consumption in China from 1965 to 2015.
(a) According to this graph, China’s coal consumption increased from 1.5
billion tons of coal in 2003 to 3 billion tons in 2010. Using the Rule of 70,
calculate the percent growth in China’s coal consumption during this time.
(b) One ton of coal produces 30 million Btu (British thermal units, a measure
of energy), and there are 3,000 Btu in 1 kWh. Assume that all of the coal
in China in 2010 was combusted in coal-fired power plants that are 50%
efficient. How many kWh were provided to the electric grid through the
combustion of this type of coal during that year?
(c) Describe the process of converting coal into usable electricity, and
describe ONE pollution control device that could be used to reduce
emissions of a particular air pollutant.
(d) As an environmental scientist, you might have concerns about the amount