Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Define coal mining and its historical significance in energy production.
- State the dual nature of coal mining: essential for development but associated with environmental drawbacks.
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Body
- Section 1: Inevitability of Coal Mining
- Subsection 1: Energy Security and Needs
- Discuss coal’s role in providing reliable and affordable energy.
- Fact: “Coal accounted for about 37% of global electricity generation in 2020.” (Source: IEA, 2021)
- Subsection 2: Job Creation
- Highlight employment opportunities provided by the coal industry.
- Fact: “The coal sector provides direct employment to over 1 million people in India.” (Source: Ministry of Coal, India)
- Subsection 3: Infrastructure Development
- Explain the infrastructure improvements driven by coal mining.
- Mention the impact on regional development and economic growth.
- Subsection 4: Revenue Generation
- Discuss the financial benefits of coal mining for governments.
- Fact: “Coal mining generates substantial revenue through taxes and royalties.” (Source: World Bank, 2019)
- Subsection 1: Energy Security and Needs
- Section 2: Issues Persistent with Coal Mining
- Subsection 1: Environmental Impacts
- Address the significant environmental drawbacks of coal mining.
- Fact: “Coal mining contributes to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.” (Source: EPA, 2020)
- Subsection 2: Health Hazards
- Discuss health risks for miners and nearby communities.
- Mention diseases linked to coal dust exposure.
- Subsection 3: Resource Depletion and Climate Change
- Highlight the finite nature of coal as a non-renewable resource.
- Address coal’s contribution to climate change and the need for sustainability.
- Subsection 1: Environmental Impacts
- Section 1: Inevitability of Coal Mining
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Conclusion
- Summarize the necessity of coal mining for development alongside its adverse effects.
- Propose solutions: investment in cleaner technologies and a transition to renewable energy sources to achieve sustainable development.
Relevant Facts to Include
- Energy Security and Needs:
- “Coal accounted for about 37% of global electricity generation in 2020.” (Source: IEA, 2021)
- Job Creation:
- “The coal sector provides direct employment to over 1 million people in India.” (Source: Ministry of Coal, India)
- Revenue Generation:
- “Coal mining generates substantial revenue through taxes and royalties.” (Source: World Bank, 2019)
- Environmental Impacts:
- “Coal mining contributes to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.” (Source: EPA, 2020)
Model Answer
Introduction
Coal mining has been a cornerstone of global energy production for centuries. However, it comes with significant environmental drawbacks. This essay explores the duality of coal mining’s role in development and its associated impacts.
Inevitability of Coal Mining
Energy Security and Needs
Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel, providing a reliable and affordable energy source. It is essential for economic growth and development, particularly in emerging economies where energy demand is skyrocketing. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal accounted for about 37% of global electricity generation in 2020, highlighting its critical role in energy security (IEA, 2021).
Job Creation
The coal industry employs millions globally, creating jobs not only in mining but also in transportation and ancillary services. In India alone, the coal sector provides direct employment to over 1 million people, supporting local economies (Ministry of Coal, India).
Infrastructure Development
Coal mining necessitates the development of transportation infrastructure, such as railways and roads, which can enhance regional development. Improved infrastructure facilitates economic growth and connectivity, benefiting various sectors.
Revenue Generation
Coal mining generates substantial revenue for governments through taxes and royalties. This income can fund social welfare programs, education, and healthcare, contributing to overall societal development (World Bank, 2019).
Issues Persistent with Coal Mining
Environmental Impacts
The environmental repercussions of coal mining are profound. It contributes to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. These issues can lead to health problems and loss of biodiversity (EPA, 2020).
Health Hazards
Coal mining poses severe health risks, including respiratory diseases for miners and communities near coal-fired power plants. The exposure to coal dust can lead to black lung disease, severely affecting miners’ quality of life.
Resource Depletion and Climate Change
As a non-renewable resource, coal is finite. Its continued use contributes to climate change, making it an unsustainable energy option. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential for long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
While coal mining remains critical for development, its environmental and health impacts are significant. To achieve sustainable development, there must be an investment in cleaner coal technologies and a transition to renewable energy sources. Balancing the benefits of coal with its costs is crucial for future generations.
Coal mining, despite its significant adverse environmental impacts, remains a crucial component of development for several reasons:
Energy Demand: Coal is a major source of energy, particularly in developing countries where it provides affordable and reliable power for industrial growth and household use.
Economic Growth: Coal mining supports economic development by creating jobs and contributing to the national GDP. It fuels industries and infrastructure projects that are essential for economic advancement.
Transition Challenges: While renewable energy sources are growing, transitioning fully from coal to cleaner alternatives is challenging due to infrastructure limitations and high initial costs.
Energy Security: For many countries, coal remains a strategic resource for ensuring energy security and stability, especially in the face of fluctuating global energy markets.
Balancing the need for economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a key challenge, necessitating efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of coal mining.