Coal-fired contradictions: Why climate action needs a circuit breaker

China, despite being the world leader in renewable energy investment, continues to build new coal power plants at a rapid rate. This contradiction is not unique to China, as countries like Japan, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam also face similar challenges. The slow progress in decarbonization is often attributed to a lack of political will and low public awareness. To address this, there is a need for greater civic engagement and accountability of politicians. Additionally, the transition to a low-carbon economy faces barriers such as high costs and technological challenges.