For a variety of reasons, China has been emphasizing alternatives to coal to the point that they’re able to decrease production. Coal is a commodity, which means its price fluctuates. Coal is dirty, which increases health care costs. Coal makes it harder to meet climate commitments. The answer: renewables, of any type, because China still needs lots of energy. With US coal production down as well, this may be the turning point for fossil fuels.
“China’s Coal Production Falls For The First Time This Century” – Treehugger
Pretending Not To Panic 