Yes, amazing as it seems, without coal we might not have Champagne. Well, possibly.
This tale arises out of the English energy crisis in the early 17th century (see here). After over one hundred years of shipbuilding for the new Royal Navy the country ran out of wood. There were of course other reasons such as population growth and increased urbanization that were equally to blame, just as they are today. But the net result was there were just not enough trees. So much for renewable energy.
In response a worried King James I banned the use of wood for non-essential purposes. And one of the areas to feel the heat was glass-making. In response they switched to using coal, which had previously been considered a dirty and ungodly fuel even though it was abundant. Yet needs must when the Devil drives. And there was an unexpected bonus, as there often is when the Devil is in play. By using coal English glass-makers were able to achieve higher kiln temperatures. This meant they could make glass bottles that were thicker and stronger - just what you need to make Champagne. Otherwise the bottles have a tendency to explode.
So, three cheers for fossil fuels. And yet another reason why the French love the English.
Of course this does raise an important philosophical question. Can you be a Champagne socialist and still fight for climate justice? I don't know. And until I do I'll probably stick to the Château Haut-Brion.
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