Correct. And whilst I appreciate that economic arguments don't cut much ice with a lot of Greens who only every look at problems from an environmental point of view it is worth pointing out that not only is it a billion-pound industry that employs (full and part-time) several thousand people, it also brings joy and happiness to millions more. Plus if you're a volunteer you can find companionship, friendship and a sense of purpose with your fellow volunteers. Helps to combat loneliness.
I know I'm pissing in the wind as for a lot of people these things don't count (they can go and do something else) but for me those intangible benefits alone more than outweigh the miniscule environmental damage that comes from burning a bit of coal, and yes, I'd love to see a coal mine in somewhere like South Wales producing coal just for the heritage railway industry. In return, just to prove I'm not a complete environmental Luddite, I'd like to ban all away travel to football, especially European travel. Stopping all those pointless and unnecessary journeys will make a real contribution, won't it?
Anyway, back on topic, obviously the ending of the use of coal for power generation is good news, regardless of what other countries are or aren't doing. However the ending of steel production is unalloyed bad news and I don't see how anyone can say opposite.
