How will the Minamata Convention affect emissions from coal in India and China? New research in ES&T

In research led by graduate student Amanda Giang, we evaluated different methods of reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, and how emissions travel through the atmosphere and enter ecosystems. Through analysis of existing studies, policies, and interviews with Convention negotiators, we identified technologies that India and China would likely adopt if given flexibility. We also studied the effect of stronger technology requirements and an energy system shift away from coal toward low-carbon energy sources. A key finding was that pollution control technologies have big benefits, and an energy-systems approach has even bigger benefits. The benefits from reduced emissions will be felt most strongly in the countries making the reductions, in addition to benefits at the global level. For further information, see [full paper] [fact sheet] [3 questions with Amanda Giang].