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What impact does coal and steel make today?

User Sathishkumar
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Final answer:

Coal and steel have played a critical role in industrial growth but have considerable environmental impacts, such as contributing to air pollution and global warming. Steel remains a cornerstone in construction and manufacturing, but there is increasing pressure for environmental sustainability in these industries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Impact of Coal and Steel Today

The impact of coal and steel today can be seen in various aspects of modern society. Coal, despite being an inexpensive source of energy, has significant environmental consequences. Its combustion releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury, contributing to acid rain, smog, and health issues. It is also a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, which exacerbate the greenhouse effect and lead to global climate change.

Steel production is integral to industrial growth and development. It has historically been essential for infrastructure such as buildings, railroads, and ships. However, the manufacturing process of steel and aluminum also has environmental costs, emitting gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, which impact air quality and contribute to issues like smog and acid rain. Additionally, fugitive dust from equipment operation can pose problems.

On the economic and social fronts, coal and steel industries have been essential for industrialization and economic growth. Steel was, and still is, a foundational material for construction and automotive industries, which in turn affects global economies and labor markets. Nevertheless, the trend towards sustainability has put pressures on these industries to reduce their environmental footprint, especially as concerns rise over global warming and public health.

User Paul Armstrong
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Answer:

Air pollution from coal-fired power plants is linked with asthma, cancer, heart and lung ailments, neurological problems, acid rain, global warming, and other severe environmental and public health impacts.

Coal provides 30% of global primary energy. It is used to generate 41% of global electricity. It is also used to produce 68% of the world's steel and is a key source of energy in energy-intensive industries, such as aluminum and cement production.

Steel production has a number of impacts on the environment, including air emissions (CO, SOx, NOx, PM2), wastewater contaminants, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes. The major environmental impacts from integrated steel mills are from coking and iron-making.

Steel is sturdy enough that it resists the damage caused by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Steel buildings are much more resistant to fire and termites. Because of steel's greater durability, the owner of such a building could get a better deal on insurance.

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User MUY Belgium
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