Coal, Just Not for Burning

Coal and Related Carbon Resources / Related Environmental Issues / Environmental Impact

Campbell opines in 2014 on the rest of the coal story. As industry has begun to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in underground reservoirs, we also have the option to not burn the coal of fossilized dead forests. Alternative sources of energy to generate electricity are available. We also have the option to prevent the destruction of the living forests (and their associated ecosystems) that produce much of the oxygen that humans and other organisms need to exist.

The carbon in coal can also be used to make other common “clean” products. Coal may then become “clean coal” after all and not just an oxymoron with visions of becoming germane economically. China, Australia, Russia, India, the Asia Pacific region, and the United States have large coal resources, but they are currently committed for burning to generate electricity, putting huge quantities of particulates, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury and other contaminants into the atmosphere