For the first time in history, solar energy surpassed coal in the U.S. electricity mix during May 2026, reaching 12%. This milestone adds to the explosive growth of electric cars, whose sales have multiplied tenfold in six years. Meanwhile, in India, women in Bokaro face the toxic dust of coal. The energy transition is advancing and promises cleaner air.
The Electric Leap: From Ethiopia to American Homes ⚡
The numbers don't lie: global sales of electric vehicles have skyrocketed, with Ethiopia quadrupling its electric fleet in record time. On the technical side, falling costs in solar panels and batteries are driving this change. Solar already competes directly with coal without subsidies, while the electrical grid adapts to intermittent sources. The next step is large-scale storage to ensure stable supply.
Coal Says Goodbye: Fewer Black Lungs and More Breathing Room 🌬️
While the women of Bokaro fight against coal dust that leaves their bronchial tubes like chimneys, in the West we celebrate that the sun does the dirty work. It's ironic: for decades we were told that green was expensive, and now it turns out that even Ethiopia, with no big budgets, is jumping on the electric train. Coal is leaving, and with it, the excuses not to breathe deeply.