Countries turn to coal to avoid shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

# Why This Matters The pivot toward coal represents a dangerous short-term fix with long-term consequences that extend far beyond energy markets. By reverting to dirtier fuel sources to sidestep geopolitical risk, countries are essentially accepting permanent increases in carbon emissions and air pollution to hedge against temporary shipping disruptions—a calculation that locks in climate damage while the Strait of Hormuz tensions may eventually resolve. This shift will likely accelerate respiratory illnesses and premature deaths in regions downwind of coal plants, while simultaneously undermining the renewable energy investments and emissions commitments these same countries have publicly pledged. The decision also reveals how military instability in strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz can rapidly override climate priorities on the global stage, creating a perverse incentive for actors to maintain tension in critical shipping lanes whenever energy security becomes precarious.