Coal

Communities on both sides of the Atlantic have been hit hard economically as coal production has dropped. Their experiences are the theme of a new book and documentary called, “After Coal: Stories of Survival in Appalachia and Wales.”

As Europe transitions away from coal, it’s unclear whether the newly-elected Spanish Socialists can offer hope to the region of Asturias, where people have mined coal for 150 years.

Coal smog can make many poles feel like they’re living in the 19th century. Now a growing grassroots movement is pushing local and national governments to cut smog and rethink the country’s heavy reliance on coal.

This year’s global climate conference is convening in the heart of Poland’s coal country. Poland’s leaders are vowing to continue their heavy reliance on coal, but the politics and economics of the highly-polluting fuel are starting to shift.

Katowice, home to one of Poland’s oldest coal mines, closed in March. Now the city will host a series of UN talks on climate change. Budding artists have embraced the cleaner air and inspiration as the coal mining industry changes, others miss the community spirit.