There is no such thing as "clean coal" as it is still a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, human health problems, and environmental degradation. The concept of clean coal is a myth propagated by the coal industry and politicians to justify continued reliance on fossil fuels. (“There is no such thing….”) Coal has been a primary source of energy for the world for many years, but its use has been heavily criticized for its negative impact on the environment. With increasing concerns over climate change and pollution, the idea of "clean coal" has been proposed as a solution to the environmental problems associated with coal use. However, the concept of clean coal is often debated, with many arguing that it is simply a myth. In this paper, we will examine the arguments for and against the existence of clean coal. Proponents of clean coal argue that it is possible to reduce the negative environmental impact of coal by using advanced technologies to capture and store carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants and storing them in underground geological formations. This technology is seen as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Proponents also point to other advanced technologies, such as ultra-supercritical boilers and gasification, as ways to reduce emissions and make coal a cleaner source of energy.(Plumer, B., 2017) However, opponents of clean coal argue that the concept is simply a marketing term used by the coal industry to maintain its dominance in the energy market. They argue that the technologies used to capture and store carbon emissions are expensive, unproven, and not yet commercially viable. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, "clean coal" is a "dirty lie" and a "distraction from the real work that needs to be done to address climate change." (“There is no such thing…”)They argue that the focus should be on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, which do not emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants. One of the key issues with clean coal technology is the cost. According to a report from the International Energy Agency, the cost of CCS technology is currently around $100 per ton of carbon dioxide captured. This cost is significantly higher than the cost of producing electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar. In addition, the cost of building and operating CCS facilities is high, which makes it difficult for coal-fired power plants to compete with other sources of energy. Another issue with clean coal technology is the risk of carbon leakage. Carbon leakage occurs when emissions are reduced in one location, but increase in another location as a result. For example, if coal-fired power plants in the United States implement CCS technology, but other countries continue to use coal without CCS, then the overall reduction in global emissions may be minimal.(Mclaughlin,T.,n.d.)This is because the demand for coal may increase in other countries as a result of the reduced supply in the United States. Furthermore, even with the use of advanced technologies, coal still produces a range of pollutants that are harmful to human health and the environment. These include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The use of coal also has a significant impact on water resources, as coal mining and processing require large amounts of water and can lead to water pollution. In conclusion, while there are technologies that can reduce the negative environmental impact of coal, the concept of clean coal is not a reality. (Mclaughlin,T.,n.d.) The cost of implementing these technologies is high, and the risk of carbon leakage remains a concern. In addition, even with the use of advanced technologies, coal still produces a range of harmful pollutants. The focus should instead be on transitioning to renewable energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants. This will require significant investment and political will, but it is necessary if we are to address the urgent challenge of climate change.
Works Cited
Plumer, B. (2017, August 23). What ‘clean coal’ is—and isn’t. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/23/climate/what-clean-coal-is-and-isnt.
There’s no such thing as clean coal. (n.d.). Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/coal-power-plants-cpp/
Mclaughlin, T. (n.d.). Clean coal’s dirty secret: More pollution, not less. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-coal-pollution/
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