Publication - April 3, 2005
What is clean coal? Coal is a highly polluting energy source. From mine to sky, it contaminates every step of the way. From acid drainage from coal mines polluting rivers and streams, to the release of cancer-causing dioxins and other toxins when it is burned, as well as pollution-forming gases and fine particulates that wreck havoc on human health, coal is a dirty business. It is a major contributor to climate change the biggest environmental threat we face. It is the most carbon intensive fossil fuel, emitting 72% more carbon dioxide (the main driver of climate change) per unit of energy than gas.