Poland agrees to phase out coal by 2049

The Polish government and unions have signed an agreement with the coal mining industry to phase out coal production by 2049. Industry representatives have agreed to shut all coal mines, with severance payments for the miners. The agreement marks the first time that the powerful coal mining sector has agreed to reduce its presence on the Polish market. Poland depends on coal for 70% of its energy needs, although it is planning to reduce this share to 11% by 2040.