Conventional Sources of Electricity

Coal

Coal is energy stored in dead plant matter from prehistoric times. Large mines built to extract coal -- either open pit, strip, or underground -- cause severe erosion, leaching of toxic chemicals into nearby streams and aquifers, and loss of habitat. SO₂, NO_x and CO₂ emissions are produced by coal burning. Coal reserves will last for centuries at current rates of usage. Long before supplies run out, however, global climate change and acid rain will require that restrictions be imposed on burning coal.