Stepchange Coal: Part I
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Jan 21, 2025 The podcast dives into the captivating history of coal, tracing its roots from ancient plants to its monumental role in the Industrial Revolution. It highlights coal's evolution and impact on society, architecture, and technology. Among the intriguing discussions are the transformative innovations in steam power and iron production, spearheaded by key figures like Abraham Darby. The journey also explores the harsh realities faced by coal miners, the complexities of labor relations, and coal's undeniable influence on America's industrial landscape.
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Podcast Origin
- Ben Eidelson, inspired by the Acquired podcast, wanted deeper historical understanding of systems like coal.
- This led to the creation of the Step Change podcast, focusing on human progress stories.
Coal's Double-Edged Sword
- Coal's profound impact shaped human history, driving the Industrial Revolution and the modern world.
- This progress came at a high cost, including labor exploitation and environmental damage.
Coal Formation
- Coal originated from ancient plants during the Carboniferous period (400 million years ago).
- These plants, growing in swamps, captured carbon, forming peat, which compressed into coal over millennia.
