The coal mined in Kentucky for more than two centuries helped build the U.S. It’s also warmed the planet. Now, the world’s appetite for coal is disappearing, and the communities that mined it for generations are struggling to adapt. This series explores how the decline of coal has impacted Kentucky, and offers solutions for a sustainable future. It was supported by the MIT Environmental Solutions Journalism Fellowship.
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Electric utilities in Kentucky plan to reduce carbon emissions and expand renewable generation in the coming years, but fossil fuels will continue to play a prominent role for a decade or longer. -
Coal communities across the country are struggling to adapt as the nation transitions away from the dirtiest fossil fuel. Now, a historic amount of federal funding is available to help diversify their economies and aid in the transition to a low carbon future as long as the money can get in local hands. -
The world’s appetite for coal is diminishing, and the communities that mined it for generations are struggling to adapt. Kentucky’s Republican lawmakers are leveraging the economic turmoil to bolster support for coal, but experts say mining communities would be better off supporting the transition to a sustainable future. -
The lines in the infographic demonstrate how the planet has warmed over time. Here’s a look at how climate change is impacting Kentucky and what the future looks like if humans continue to rely on fossil fuels.
