The new White House administration is making a strong hold to curb the Climate Action Plan launched in 2013. There is clear scientific and medical data that defines negative impacts to the human body and mind when living in an unhealthy environment. I was curious to see what else I could learn in regard to the affects of pollution and in particular coal mining since that is the key concept being discussed.
The possible positives of bringing coal mining back could help increase jobs for those in the coaling industry.
Let's say that happens. Then we need to ask is there even a high demand for coal? I turned to Bloomberg.com for that answer and came across this research.
The demand for fossil fuel, nuclear energy, etc has been greatly reduced. Clean and renewable energy is tremendously on the rise. So even if the coal mining did open back up, would it be worth it? Perhaps bring those methods of cleaner energy to the mining states and transform the technology.
My next question was, what happens to those who do work inside the coal mines? For this research, I turned to NPR. Have you ever heard of Black Lung Disease? In short, there are two forms: simple CWP and complicated CWP, which also involves progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust into the lungs increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Currently, there is no known cure. This does not mean all coal miners develop BLD, just as with all smokers do not develop lung cancer. Yet, if you knew working in an environment could produce such affects would you still be willing to risk that with yourself and workers?
On the medical financial spectrum to this research I found it ironic that if the Affordable Car Act (ACA) was repealed, special provisions that make the process of getting Black Lung benefits easier for coal miners would become much more difficult. This means there is more harm being done to those who were promised protection. There is more to this and if you would like to read in detail visit: A Health Care Benefit Popular in Coal Country
Besides being mindful of the human race, what about the actual environment it self? It's not just the mountains being destroyed, even the waterways could become contaminated. Most are aware of what happened in Flint, Michigan with the impact of water contamination.
There is a lot that the layperson can do to help transition our country and really this world to promote and live in a healthier environment. You could begin with simple habits, such as with recycling. Buying organically (let that be with food and even with cleaning products). There is much more, yet the simplest things can help create a stronger dynamic of positive change.
So why am I writing about this topic on a Feng Shui blog? Because Feng Shui promotes coexisting with nature, caring for your environment, which extends to caring for yourself and each other. I invite you to educate yourself and participate in the positive transformation for the greater good of this world's current and future generations.
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