Al Gore: The Most Important Step Taken to Combat Climate Change in Our Country's History

[joshcryer]

22. US Coal Exports Erode All CO2 Savings from Shale Gas

As coal consumption declines in the US, our domestic CO2 emissions have dropped—but our coal exports have increased. Is the reduction of national emissions countered by an increase in international emissions? We examine the rising international exports of US coal and quantify its effects on net CO2 emissions. We find that, from 2007 to 2012, US domestic CO2 savings from coal-to-gas fuel switching was more than offset by the increases through the exported CO2 emissions. The interaction between the domestic and international markets lays bare a gaping hole in climate management policies. To decisively cut CO2 emissions, displaced coal in the US electricity sector should remain in the ground. However, the market for shale gas by itself cannot guarantee such an outcome. Both domestic climate management policies and international coordination are needed to achieve meaningful cuts in CO2 emissions.

http://co2scorecard.org/home/researchitem/29

There's more at the link. For CO2 limitations to be meaningful the coal must stay in the ground.