All fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases, but greenhouse gases from coal contribute less than 20% to any enhanced greenhouse effect. Water vapour is the most active component in the atmosphere, responsible for approximately two-thirds of the natural greenhouse effect.

Coal can be burnt cleanly and effectively throughout the world using constantly improving technologies. The use of electrostatic precipitators and/or bag filters means that power stations no longer emit black smoke or oxides of sulphur from flue gases. Many other techniques are now in use that reduce the adverse impact of coal burning on the environment to levels well below other causes.