How many people in the world depend on coal for their energy needs?

 It is difficult to estimate the exact number of people in the world who depend on coal for their energy needs, as the use of coal varies significantly from country to country and region to region. However, it is safe to say that a significant portion of the global population relies on coal to some extent for their energy needs. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2019, coal accounted for 27% of global primary energy demand and 38% of global electricity generation. This means that a significant portion of the global population relies on coal-fired power plants for electricity, which is a crucial source of energy for many households and businesses.

It is also worth noting that the use of coal for energy has been declining in recent years due to concerns about its environmental impact and the availability of alternative sources of energy. Many countries are transitioning away from coal and towards cleaner sources of energy, such as renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.