About

Coal is one of the most carbon-intensive fossil fuels, and its use is a major contributor to climate change. When coal is burned for energy, it releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming and drastic changes in weather patterns. Globally, coal combustion is responsible for nearly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions from energy use. It also contributes to air pollution, acid rain, and health issues such as respiratory diseases. Despite its environmental impact, coal remains a dominant source of energy in many countries due to its abundance and affordability.

Coal mining and coal-fired power generation have significant impacts on water resources, making water stewardship an essential aspect of responsible coal use. Coal operations consume vast amounts of water—for cooling in power plants, washing coal, and controlling dust in mining. This often leads to depletion of freshwater resources, especially in water-scarce regions. Additionally, coal mining can contaminate water bodies with toxic substances like mercury, arsenic, and heavy metals, affecting aquatic ecosystems and nearby communities.

Coal mining and combustion generate large volumes of waste, posing serious environmental and health risks. Effective waste management is critical to minimizing the negative impacts of coal on land, water, and air. Types of Coal Waste:
- Coal Ash (Fly Ash & Bottom Ash) – Produced during combustion, this ash contains harmful elements like arsenic, mercury, and lead.
- Slag and Slurry – By-products from washing coal, often stored in large ponds or impoundments.
- Overburden and Tailings – Rock and soil removed during mining that can degrade land and pollute water bodies if not properly managed.

Coal mining—especially surface mining methods like open-pit and strip mining—has a significant impact on land use and biodiversity. Large tracts of land are cleared, ecosystems disrupted, and wildlife habitats destroyed to extract coal from the earth.
Key Impacts:
Habitat Destruction: Forests, grasslands, and wetlands are often cleared for mining, leading to the loss of native plants and animals.
Soil Degradation: Mining removes topsoil and disrupts natural landforms, making it difficult for vegetation to regrow.
Ecosystem Fragmentation: Roads, waste dumps, and mining infrastructure divide ecosystems, limiting animal movement and breeding.
Endangered Species Risk: Mining operations in biodiversity-rich regions put threatened species at even greater risk.