China and India account for 50% of the world’s coal production (and use), but this is a dirty way to generate electricity. Maybe the dirtiest, although wind and solar are not very clean if you take the entire life cycle into account.
The article linked above indicates that the US has been making a lot of progress in reducing our production and use of coal. However, while China talks a good game about reducing carbon emissions, then have over 40 coal-fired power plants under construction. Not to worry; a coal fired power plant usually has a design life of only 40 years or so. Like any smoker might say, they can quit anytime they want to!
A Cup of Brouhaha 