Q Paper 9
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School
Florida Atlantic University *
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Course
3304
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by DoctorSparrow3064
Q Paper 9 - The Last Mountain
Valeria Luna
SYP3304
1.
Name
the coal mining
method
that was the subject of the
documentary. 2 pts.
Is a documentary that focuses on mountaintop removal coal mining. This method of coal mining
involves removing the tops of mountains to access coal seams. It is a highly controversial and
environmentally destructive practice due to its significant impact on local ecosystems and
communities.
2.
List
two
negative consequences of coal mining for the local
communities in West Virginia (be specific). 2 pts.
Health Impacts: Coal mining and the associated activities can lead to severe health
consequences for local residents. For example, the release of coal dust and particulate matter
can result in respiratory problems, such as black lung disease, among miners. Moreover, the
pollution from coal mining operations can contaminate local water sources, leading to
waterborne diseases and other health issues for residents who rely on these water supplies.
Community Disruption and Displacement: Mountaintop removal coal mining, in particular,
involves the destruction of large areas of land, including entire communities, to access coal
seams. This results in the displacement of local residents from their homes and communities,
which can have profound social and economic consequences. Many communities in West
Virginia have been uprooted and disrupted by the expansion of coal mining operations. This
displacement can lead to a loss of cultural and historical ties, as well as economic hardship for
the affected residents.
3.
List
two
negative consequences for the natural environment (be
specific). 2 pts.
Habitat Destruction: Mountaintop removal mining involves the removal of mountaintops to
access coal seams, resulting in the destruction of entire ecosystems and habitats. This activity
removes forests, streams, and diverse wildlife habitats. It disrupts the natural biodiversity of the
region and can lead to the loss of numerous plant and animal species that rely on these
habitats.
Water Pollution: The coal mining process, especially the washing of coal and the disposal of
mining waste, can contaminate local water sources with toxic substances such as heavy metals
and chemicals. This pollution can have devastating effects on aquatic life, disrupting local
ecosystems and causing long-term damage to water quality. In the documentary, it is likely that
the pollution and destruction of water sources in West Virginia were discussed as significant
environmental consequences of coal mining.
4.
Name
the direct action environmental group that was featured in
the documentary (they were the ones who chained themselves to
the mining equipment). 2 pts.
The direct action environmental group featured in the documentary "The Last Mountain" that
chained themselves to the mining equipment was the organization Earth First!
5.
Briefly explain why environmental activists argued that the
government is part of the problem. 2 pts.
In the documentary "The Last Mountain," environmental activists argued that the government
is part of the problem because they believed that government agencies, particularly those
responsible for regulating the coal mining industry, were often influenced or controlled by
powerful coal and energy interests. This influence led to what the activists saw as lax
enforcement of environmental regulations and a failure to adequately protect the environment
and the health of local communities. Additionally, they argued that government policies and
subsidies favored the coal industry, which encouraged the continuation of environmentally
destructive practices like mountaintop removal mining. The activists felt that the government
was not effectively serving the interests of the people and the environment, but rather
prioritizing corporate interests and profit.
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