World coal reserves population

As the world s coal reserve are so large that the entire world population can draw energy from this source for hundreds of years to come, it is obvious that a shortage of oil and natural gas within a number of years will not necessarily mean complete dependence on nuclear energy but will allow ample time to seek other sources of energy. 

Methane (natural gas) and petroleum are clearly more convenient to handle and use than coal. This situation led to widespread industrial use of these fuels for electric power production, industrial and residential fuel requirements and chemicals production. Recently, however, it has become apparent that more use must be made of coal to conserve supplies of natural gas and petroleum despite the difficulties in handling and use. There are large reserves of coal in many parts of the world, many near centers of population and industrial activity. 

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