What are the positives and negatives are for using coal?

Answer 1

Positives: Lots of it (oil & gas are "peaking" ie. beginning to run out, coal is not), usually less expensive than other fuels (depending on transport & labour costs), necessary in some processes such as metallurgical coal used in steelmaking, safer (less explosive) than other fuels (except where coal dust can become a hazard). Negatives: "dirty" ie contaminated with many pollutants, disease causing (black lung), harder to burn properly and completely (major source of NOx). More of coal's energy comes from carbon than for other fuels which, when burned releases CO2 (carbon dioxide). Since humans have always inhaled a small percentage of CO2, it was not considered a pollutant until the global warming theory displaced the global cooling theory as solar radiation cycles entered a warming phase. Since global warming advocates prefer a human over a solar causation and are in political control at present, political processes are putting pressure on coal generating plants and coal usage in general. For instance Ontario, Canada intends to phase out all coal fired power plants. Logically, coal is best used in central facilities where economics of scale can justify considerable efforts to minimize pollution (the bad stuff). Natural gas on the other hand is the cleanest and most distributable fuel and should be reserved for use in dispersed applications like homes. Oil based fuels are best suited to transportation systems. Coal may also be processed to make liquid fuels competing with oil when economic conditions are favourable.

Answer 2

Positives: Coal is abundant and provides a reliable source of energy. It is relatively affordable compared to other energy sources.

Negatives: Coal is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to environmental and health concerns. Mining and burning coal can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and water quality.