China burns half of the six billion tons of coal used globally each year, and is expected to import up to 150 million tons in 2010. Until 2009 China was a coal exporter, but because much of its coal is low grade and much of China's coal is inland while factories are on the coast, it is easier to import coal from elsewhere. India's coal imports rose from 36 million tons in 2008 to 60 million tons in 2009.

The U.S. lacks enough coal exporting capacity, so its coal is usually exported via Canada, particularly British Columbia (B.C.). B.C. will ship 35 million tonnes of metallurgical coal in 2010. New coal mines have opened in B.C. and the province aims to double exports.

A grass roots group calling itself British Columbians for Climate Action has set up a "Stop Coal" website and rallied at the B.C. Legislature January 25, 2011 in hopes of ending coal mining and exports.

"Coal is the biggest source of heat-trapping, global warming pollution," said group member Cliff Stainsby from Cobble Hill. "To have any hope of avoiding runaway climate change, coal needs to stay in the ground. It's that simple."

"Climate change doesn't respect national borders. Our government is ignoring the serious risks of climate change by promoting BC coal exports to the rest of the world, and they are putting our children and the planet in danger, " said group member and Cowichan Bay resident Jane Kilthei.