Documentary on COAL: Mining, History and Future Outlook

The podcast explores the history, usage, and environmental impact of coal as an energy source. It traces coal's origins from prehistoric plant matter to its categorization into lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, and anthracite, each with varying carbon densities and uses. The discussion highlights the dangerous history of coal mining, including the exploitation of women and children, and the evolution of mining techniques. It also addresses coal's role in historical air pollution events, such as the Great Smog of London, and its continued significance in developing nations striving to improve their economies before transitioning to cleaner energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar. Despite its negative impacts, coal remains a necessary component of the global energy economy.