TED Talks Daily The human cost of coal mining in China | Xiaojun "Tom" Wang
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Mar 29, 2024 Xiaojun "Tom" Wang, an environmental activist from Shanxi, China, sheds light on the devastating impact of coal mining in his home province, the world's largest coal producer. He shares personal stories of loss due to mining accidents and addiction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Wang discusses the clash between traditional cultures and environmental devastation, advocating for a shift from coal to renewable energy. He calls for unified policies across provinces to protect both heritage and the planet for future generations.
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Landslides and Coal Mining
- Xiaojun Wang struggled to find his father's tomb due to landslides caused by coal mining.
- These landslides, once rare, are now common, threatening his ancestral burial grounds.
Coal Mining's Human Cost
- Wang's cousin, a coal miner, died from complications related to a mining accident and painkiller addiction.
- His burial site, like Wang's father's, is now threatened by coal mining.
The Sibling Mechanism
- Shanxi, Wang's province, produces over a billion tons of coal yearly, supporting other Chinese provinces.
- This system, called the "sibling mechanism", creates a complex dependency on coal.