Final answer:
Georgia's increasing reliance on coal energy is impacted by factors such as public concerns about carbon emissions and advancements in drilling technology. China has experienced a significant rise in coal consumption due to industrialization. Coal is a major source of electricity in the United States, but it has negative environmental impacts and contributes to carbon dioxide emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Georgia is increasing its reliance on coal energy in the coming years. The future development of coal and natural gas depends on various factors, including public and regulatory concerns about carbon emissions, the relative price and supply of the fuels, and advancements in drilling technology. Strong regulatory pressure on carbon emissions would favor retirement of coal and addition of natural gas power plants. China has significantly increased its coal consumption in the past few decades due to industrialization and rising living standards. However, competition from cheaper alternative energy sources and environmental regulations have impacted the coal economy in the Appalachia region. Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is abundant in the United States and used to generate about half of its electricity. Although coal is inexpensive, its extraction, transportation, and use have numerous environmental impacts and contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.