This image is invariably published to illustrate the pollution being
emitted from coal-fired power stations...

Okay... I don't deny the pollutants emitted from the burning of coal
are exacerbating the global warming crisis, but this dramatic image
may be misinterpreted by many non-technical types.
Firstly of course, the image was captured looking east, on a very cold
foggy morning, with the sun just about to rise.
And all those clouds of "pollutants"? Steam from the cooling towers.
Any lead, mercury, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, or
various other heavy metals. Nope. No, no, and no.
Just hydrogen and oxygen. That's it.
But it certainly looks ominous doesn't it? Just what the greenies want.