Coal is changing our world slowly but surely. Co2, also known as carbon dioxide; is hurting the world more than one would originally think. By burning coal the amount of carbon dioxide in the air keeps growing by about 2 ppm each year. Climate change involving mountain glaciers and coral reefs are affected. Even if we take maximum effort to slow down the release of carbon dioxide today the climate change will still grow. Mercury, as well as carbon dioxide is a big problem that involves coal. Mercury contaminates our fish and seafood and also affects your nervous system; babies and young children …show more content…
It’s killing mountain tops with something called mountaintop removal. People use explosives to blow the top off of mountains. The remains of the mountains fall and sometimes cover streams with dirt and rocks. This causes water backup which later affects us, since we get our water from rivers and streams. The carbon dioxide also released from burning coal causes coral reefs and glaciers to change. Mining for coal is another way to get coal. Underground coal mining causes 9% of the “United State’s methane emissions. Mines are also able to collapse killing many of Earth’s citizens while the mine falls to it’s death. Mining coal also destroys the area around the mine like forests or streams. Trees and other plants are taken away from our world when coal mining happens. Coal dust is flammable and if ever struck by a flame, it will catch on fire; this could lead to forest fires or the burning of supplies in the mine. Coal and other materials used in mining could affect any streams or rivers which impacts our drinking