Europe is growing increasingly reliant on coal to keep the lights on as the weather turns cold, sending the cost of polluting to a record. Carbon prices exceeded 70 euros for the first time ever as utilities turn to the dirtiest of fossil fuels. Power plants in the U.K. are burning the most coal since the beginning of March to keep the lights on as the cooler-than-normal weather and sub-zero temperatures are forecast for major cities this week. Europe is facing an energy crisis as economies emerge from the pandemic and people return to the office. That’s boosting demand at a time supplies remain limited. Years of reduced investments in fossil fuels has combined with low wind speeds this year to send gas, power and carbon prices to records. With shortages of natural gas sending prices quadrupling this year, traders are preparing to burn more coal this winter, and […]