To name a few: Mercury content (toxic, obviously), carbon dioxide output, carbon monoxide output (also toxic), nitrogenous and sulferous outputs (both, again, toxic).
Why are these concerns? They trap heat in the atmosphere (carbon dioxide, especially), causing global warming, they cause severe respiratory problems to people and wildlife living anywhere within several hundred miles of a coal-fired plant, the emissions and cost of mining, refining, and transport of coal are extremely high against the overall benefit from burning it for energy, the mercury often gets into local water supplies, affecting, most predominantly, fish.
Lake Michigan is a perfect example of what high mercury levels can do to a fish population. Due to the biomagnification effect (starting from the lowest end of the food chain, and magnifying the concentration of a substance as you go up), and the fact that most fish that are eaten are predatory, and are a good distance from the bottom of the food chain, the mercury concentration is high. It has been suggested, through several studies, that one not eat more than one fish from Lake Michigan per YEAR due to the mercury content, lest one get affected by the toxicity.
Yes, surface mining is a method of obtaining coal where coal deposits are close to the Earth's surface and can be extracted by removing layers of soil, rock, and vegetation. This method is used when coal is not deep underground, making it more cost-effective and faster to extract.
Yes, Washington has small coal reserves, but coal mining has decreased significantly in the state due to competition from other energy sources and environmental concerns.
No, sulfur is not a type of coal. Sulfur is a chemical element found in various minerals and compounds, while coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plant matter. Some coal deposits may contain sulfur, which can cause environmental concerns when the coal is burned.
Yes, there are coal deposits in Antarctica, particularly in the Transantarctic Mountains. However, mining activities are prohibited under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty due to environmental concerns.
The US has one of the richest beds of fossil fuels, namely bituminous coal. The geological region called The Pittsburgh Coal Seam extends through many States, including PA, WVA, OH, IN, ILL, and KY. Bituminous coal is a cheap fuel that burns hot. It was used exclusively in home / business heating (coal furnaces), and coal or coke (made from coal) fueled Mills and Factories. The US also has a seam of anthracite coal, which burns less hot and is less preferred over bituminous coal.However, burning coal is dirty. It produces air pollution that contains numerous chemicals. The coal dust from burning the coal can exist in homes/buildings for a century or longer. Coal dust leads to or aggravates many lung diseases. It is a risk to public health, as well as the health of the planet. Social-health concerns often conflict with political concerns, especially in States and Districts that have a high percent of coal miners. Workers risk losing their jobs if society turns away from coal as fuel.
What are some ethical concerns about coal
Coal
Yes, surface mining is a method of obtaining coal where coal deposits are close to the Earth's surface and can be extracted by removing layers of soil, rock, and vegetation. This method is used when coal is not deep underground, making it more cost-effective and faster to extract.
Coal has Tar, which is a carcinogen. Also incomplete burning of Coal emits Carbon Monoxide, which is a respiratory poison.
Problems associated with coal include environmental pollution from its combustion, such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Mining can lead to habitat destruction, water contamination, and health risks for workers. Additionally, coal is a non-renewable resource, leading to concerns about future energy security and sustainability.
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Yes, Washington has small coal reserves, but coal mining has decreased significantly in the state due to competition from other energy sources and environmental concerns.
Coal is not inherently radioactive, but it can contain trace amounts of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. These elements can release radiation when coal is burned, potentially contributing to environmental and health concerns.
No, sulfur is not a type of coal. Sulfur is a chemical element found in various minerals and compounds, while coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plant matter. Some coal deposits may contain sulfur, which can cause environmental concerns when the coal is burned.
It can be hard to get coal because it is a non-renewable resource that requires extensive mining operations which can be costly and can have negative environmental impacts. Additionally, regulations and concerns about the environmental impact of burning coal have made it more challenging to obtain and use.
Approximately 60% of China's total energy supply comes from burning coal, making it the largest coal consumer and producer in the world. This heavy reliance on coal has raised environmental concerns due to the significant emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants associated with coal combustion.
Clean coal technologies are still expensive to implement and may not reduce emissions as much as expected. There are also concerns about the disposal of byproducts such as ash and CO2 storage. Additionally, mining and transporting coal still have environmental impacts.