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Plant-emitted radiation carried by coal-derived fly ash delivers 100 times more radiation to the surrounding environment than does the normal operation of a similarly productive nuclear plant. [64] This comparison does not consider the rest of the fuel cycle, i.e., coal and uranium mining and refining and waste disposal.
Coal can be converted directly into synthetic fuels equivalent to gasoline or diesel by hydrogenation or carbonization. [100] Coal liquefaction emits more carbon dioxide than liquid fuel production from crude oil. Mixing in biomass and using carbon capture and storage (CCS) would emit slightly less than the oil process but at a high cost. [101]
Coal can also be cleaned in part by chemical treatments. The concept is to use chemicals to remove deleterious components of coal, leaving the combustible material behind. Typically, coal cleaning entails treatment of crushed coal with acids or bases. This technology is expensive and has rarely moved beyond the demonstration phase.
West Virginia, known for coal production, faces a changing future as demand for renewable energy rises. Published in partnership with Covering Climate Now.
This segment is from Tuesday's edition of 'Digging for Value', in which sector analysts Joel South and Taylor Muckerman discuss energy & materials news with host Alison Southwick. The twice-weekly ...
Although the effects of coal mining take a long time to impact the environment the burning of coals and fires which can burn up to decades can release flying ash and increase the greenhouse gasses. Specifically strip mining that can destroy landscapes, forests, and wildlife habitats that are near the sites. [ 85 ]
Coal is the most polluting of all fossil fuels, and the single greatest threat to the climate. [29] Every stage of coal use brings substantial environmental damage. [30] Phasing out fossil fuel energy is one of the most important elements to climate change mitigation. [31] Today coal supplies over one third of the Australia's energy. [32]
About 3.3 to 3.6 billion people are highly vulnerable to climate change, according to the IPCC. People living in poorer countries are expected to suffer most as they have fewer resources to adapt.