Like we were talking about in class a few days ago, if we can hide the problem, then it doesn’t exist, right? As long as we can sweep it under the rug or place the problem elsewhere, then it wont effect us. That is exactly what happens with coal mining, for example. We aren’t all living next to a coal mine, but think of those who do--not just the humans, either--and their the impacted habitats.
Coal mines (at least in my opinion) are hideous. The negative environmental impact is immeasurable, and on top of that, is completely dangerous to the workers.
I found an interesting website that discussed these issues.
“Coal mining has always been dangerous for workers and destructive for their communities. Twelve thousand miners have died from black lung disease between 1993 and 2002 as a result of working in coal mines. Thousands of current and former coal miners suffer from black lung cancer caused by the inhalation of dust containing crystalline silica, and other health problems from inhaling toxic fumes and gases including mercury, exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, noise-induced hearing loss, and heat stroke and exhaustion. Coal mining continues to be an industry blighted by tragic accidents. Since 2001, there have been two major coal mining disasters, each killing at least 12 mine workers” (http://www.foe.org/energy/liquid-coal).
“Coal mining and liquid coal production pollute the environment and destroy ecosystems. Mountaintop removal has destroyed more than 500 mountains in Appalachia and in total 10% of the Central Appalachian region has been surface mined. Strip mining, the most common way to mine coal, causes massive deforestation and destruction of natural habitats that contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions” (http://www.foe.org/energy/liquid-coal).
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