Final answer:
Pressure on the Ontario government to phase out coal-fired power plants was due to health impacts of air pollution, climate change concerns, and economic considerations, with a focus on transitioning to renewable energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government of Ontario faced significant pressure to phase out coal-fired power plants primarily due to the health impacts of air pollution. The burning of coal releases a variety of pollutants that are harmful to human health, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature deaths.
The transition was also motivated by the pressing need to address climate change which is driven by the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. The increase in extreme weather events and global warming have made it clear that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical for the planet's future.
Lastly, there was pressure due to economic considerations, such as the high cost of importing oil and the potential for job creation in the renewable energy sector. Renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind, have become increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels, prompting a natural market shift toward cleaner energy solutions.