Coal energy causes pollution, which results in contaminants such as of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2) which leads to Global warming. Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are also released into the air which produces acid rain and lung problems in humans and animals. Smaller amounts of mercury, arsenic and lead are also created and these heavy metals have very serious health implications for all living organisms.
The waste created from the burning process is also very harmful to the environment. The sludge from smoke stack scrubbers is toxic and contaminates the environment. This waste can easily enter the water supply of the surrounding area. The water used to cool the coal burning equipment is often sourced from a local water body and then simply pumped back after it has been used. This hot water causes algal blooms.
Risks
Due to the disrupting of water during coal energy production, the aquatic wildlife is affected. Fish may have thousands of times more mercury in their systems than is found in the surrounding water due to bio accumulation. Wildlife species that rely on fish, such as eagles and osprey, also have high levels of mercury. Mercury is known to affect learning ability and neuro-development in children.
Benefits
North America contains one-quarter of the world's coal reserves, which could provide more energy potential than all the known recoverable reserves of oil. A lot of the nation's energy comes from coal, according to the Department of Energy. This domestic energy source reduces the reliance on foreign fuel sources and provides jobs to Canadians.
Compared with other energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, coal is inexpensive, analysts say will mean lower energy bills for consumers and businesses.
Coal is versatile. Coal is not only burned directly, but it can also be transformed into liquid or gas form. Proponents claim that liquefied or gasified coal burns cleaner, meaning less air pollution.
alternatives
Wind power - renewable energy produced by the use of turbines.
Hydropower - renewable energy that produce energy using the power of the ocean's waves and tidal forces, as well as by using the currents of rivers without building new dams.
Methane gas - As the materials found in landfills decompose, methane gas is produced. This gas can be trapped and used as a clean, renewable source of energy.
Geothermal power - Renewable source of energy that taps into the energy produced by Earth's heated core.
Solar power - Solar power is a renewable energy that uses the energy of the sun.