Let’s say coal is not green. There is an ongoing debate around the green credentials of coal. Actress Gloria Ruben is adding her voice to the conversation. In this article, we will delve into the environmental impact of coal. We will explore why it’s not as ‘green’ as some portray it to be. As a passionate advocate for sustainable living,
Gloria Ruben sheds light on the real costs of coal production, delving into the critical implications it has not only on the economy but also on public health and ecosystems. She discusses its effects on the planet, emphasizing that the extraction and burning of coal lead to significant environmental degradation. From its contribution to air and water pollution, which adversely affects wildlife and human populations alike, to its role in climate change—a leading cause of extreme weather patterns—the realities of coal paint a stark picture.
The toxic emissions released during combustion are linked to respiratory illnesses and other serious health issues among communities near coal plants. Join us as we explore the complexities of this issue. We examine the intertwined relationships between energy demands and environmental responsibility. In addition, we highlight the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives. These alternatives can support the global economy while safeguarding the health of our planet for future generations.
Coal Is Not Green
For the 2009 awardee of the Heart of Green Awards, Gloria Ruben (yes, formerly from the TV Show ER) emceed the night. She is very anti coal. “The Heart of Green Awards” is an award ceremony put on by The Daily Green. Since I am a contributing writer for The Daily Green, I was invited to interview and take pictures for the event. More importantly, they also gave me a table to host my blog talk radio show. Not that was extra nice!!
Interviewed Gloria Ruben on how Coal is Not Green
Prior to the ceremonies, I was able to interview her. We talked about the false campaign of coal as a reliable safe energy source. I mean coal has not helped our economy and we need real green jobs. Not clean coal: however solar, wind, geothermal, tidal win!
So I had a quick joke with her. I asked her what she was there for, curious to hear her story. Gloria started talking about how she fought against coal-powered plants in the Appalachian Mountains. Then, she passionately described the impact these plants had on the local environment and communities. All of which I completely agree with. Then, Gloria shared anecdotes about grassroots movements and rallies. She also spoke of the determination of the people who rallied together to demand change. I then said, “Ah, Clean Coal!” with a playful tone. I knew full well the irony in that phrase. It often sparked a lively debate on environmental issues and energy policies in our current times.
Best part, I could then tell she was internally flipping a lid. Especially as she politely said coal is not a clean renewable resource. So at that point I went into the funny GLG mode and said, “I KNOW!!!!”
At that point she said, “You got me..good one…”
For more on this great interview, please click onto my Apple Podcast here.
Here is some exclusive video from the Heart of Green Awards ceremony.
