Farewell, King Coal: from industrial triumph to climatic disaster

The last deep coal mine in Britain closed in 2016, marking the end of a transformative era in the history of mankind. Professor Seaton's account of the rise and decline of the coal industry and its effects on the health of miners, those who worked with coal products, and almost all of us who have breathed in the pollution from its combustion highlights the hidden adverse consequences of transformative technologies. He also traces the early history of the discoveries that led to the concept of man-made climate change and discusses the converging threats to civilization from unregulated technological advance.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 246 pages
\n Publication date: 01 November 2018
\n Publisher: Dunedin Academic Press
\n

The closure of the final deep coal mine in Britain in 2016 marked the conclusion of a historic period that had seen profound transformations in human history. In his comprehensive account of the rise and fall of the coal industry, Professor Seaton delves into the often overlooked adverse effects of transformative technologies. He also traces the early origins of the discoveries that paved the way for our understanding of man-made climate change, while also examining the converging threats to civilization posed by unregulated technological advancements.

Reflecting on the decline and demise of the coal industry, Professor Seaton expresses a mix of emotions, reminiscent of Shakespeare's Richard II, bidding farewell to "King Coal." However, he remains intrigued by the gradual shift away from fossil fuels, driven by a growing awareness of climate change. This personal obituary of coal, within the framework of an individual's medical career and the collective understanding of humanity's role in Earth's ecology, tells the story of the most disruptive technology ever introduced by humankind. It encompasses the immense prosperity brought about by coal, as well as the tragic toll it has taken in terms of deaths and diseases caused by its mining, utilization, and combustion. Furthermore, it sheds light on the scientific disputes that surrounded the medical discoveries related to coal's impact on human health.

As a vital component of the broader narrative of humanity's survival on a restless planet, this account underscores the ongoing struggle to harmonize our existence with the diverse array of animals, microorganisms, and plants that share our environment. It serves as a reminder of the profound responsibility we hold to protect and preserve the delicate balance of our natural world for the generations to come.

\n Weight: 690g\n
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781780460772\n
Edition number: New ed\n