The author highlights the eternal dilemma between energy and coal-powered growth and environment. In view of the continued dependence of the Indian economy on coal-based energy in the years to come, it has serious implications for the environment. The importance of using Clean Coal Technologies including reneawables, amongst other measures, has been brought out.

Food and energy crises are real global challenges and while both issues are inter related needing global solutions, there are essential differences between the two. The developing and the poor countries who are the least responsible for both the crises, are the ones experiencing their worst impact.