I attended an interesting energy conference this weekend. The keynote speaker discussed Europe's on-going energy crisis and the sudden rise of coal production around the world. After a series of unexpected problems (UK and other parts of Europe began investing heavily in wind power, but this year's power generation from winds were far below expectations; Russian playing its annual gas games with Europe; China hoarding energy out of fear of shortages; aging nuclear power facilities being taken down for repairs; etc.), small energy-producing companies are failing and factories are closing due to a lack of energy, and politicians are worried about keep voters warm in the winter months. As a result, people are turning heavily to coal to generate power, resulting in surging prices in coal, oil, and gas. Although I agree that the world needs to begin transitioning to renewable sources of fuel, that switch cannot happen quickly without unintended consequences, like the world suddenly burning more coal to fill gaps in supply. Those leaders who seem determined in kill the fossil fuel industry quickly need to step back and look at what's happening around the world.