PowerCoal
Coal is a combustible brownish-black sedimentary rock. It is an unsustainable source of power because it is a finite resource, and burning it releases greenhouse gasses and air pollutants, causing environmental harm and health risks.
In the game
In the game Climate Cooldown, "Coal" is an unsustainable Power card as it is a source of power which poses lots of environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, water and air pollution, and social and health impacts. Coal is an unsustainable Power card we can divest from.
Prospective degrees
Sustainable Energy EngineeringEnvironmental Policy and Planning
Careers
Renewable energy project managerClean energy policy analystClean energy program advocate
For the classroom
Discussion prompts by grade level
- What is coal and how is it used to generate electricity?
- Can you think of any ways in which coal mining might affect the environment?
- Describe the process of coal formation and extraction, and its environmental impacts.
- Discuss the role of coal in global energy production and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Examine the environmental, economic, and social implications of coal mining and combustion.
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning away from coal as an energy source.
- Critically analyze the life cycle impacts of coal from extraction to combustion, including air and water pollution.
- Discuss policy measures and technological innovations aimed at mitigating the environmental and health impacts of coal use.
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