The Appalachian Voice
Exposed: Coal Combustion
Coal is currently the largest source of global energy. When coal is burned, its carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and trace metals combine to form greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxides. Other emissions include sulfur dioxide gas, which can contribute to acid rain and respiratory diseases, particulate matter, which can cause…
Read MoreExposed: Climate Change
Much of Appalachia is predicted to experience increased temperatures and precipitation over the coming decades, with temperatures rising by four to nine degrees Fahrenheit and fewer — but more intense — storms interspersed with short droughts. Heat impacts Rising temperatures can heighten the risk of heat stroke during the summer and increase production of ground-level…
Read MoreExposed: Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Nearly 650 mountaintop removal coal mining sites scar the landscape of central Appalachia. Neighboring communities experience greater levels of air and water pollution and suffer from higher rates of illness than similar communities located further away, says Dr. Michael Hendryx, a professor of applied health science at Indiana University who has contributed to more than…
Read MoreExposed: Pesticides
Whether in food, water or air, current research suggests that no corner of the global environment is spared from pesticide contamination — not even the bacteria and fungi needed to regenerate soil. Pesticides include popular products such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides. Many properties and impacts of these chemicals remain unstudied, but researchers are…
Read MoreExposed: Fracking
The last decade has seen a rapid expansion of the drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Sand and chemicals — including known carcinogens — are mixed with water and injected deep underground to extract natural gas from shale rock formations. Yet many chemicals remain unknown because companies may claim them as trade secrets.…
Read MoreCounting Birds, A Holiday Tradition
By Kimber Ray Tens of thousands of birdwatchers will take part in the world’s oldest citizen science survey this winter during the Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. This 115-year-old tradition invites teams of new and seasoned birders to join a friendly counting competition to help assess bird population health…
Read MoreThe Book of Lenny
By Matt Wasson In September, Appalachian Voices lost a dear member of our family. Lenny Kohm worked at Appalachian Voices for nearly 13 years, during which time his wisdom and deep understanding of what moves people to take action became woven into the fabric of the organization. Lenny came to Appalachian Voices in 2001 after…
Read MoreEcotourism Rises Along with Hope for a Region’s Future
After enduring generations of the booms and busts of an economy almost entirely dependent on the coal industry, the residents of far southwest Virginia are beginning to take their economic future into their own hands by capitalizing on the mountainous region’s incredible natural beauty to promote ecotourism.
Read MoreA Family’s Troubled Water
After mountaintop removal coal mining began near their eastern Kentucky home, the Halberts saw their water quality and quality of life plummet. Three years later, they continue to seek answers.
Read MoreColossal Conifers: The Quest to Restore the Mighty Hemlock
Both central and southern Appalachia are teeming with life, but threats to their natural sanctity — coal mining, acid rain, climate change and invasive pest outbreaks, to name a few — threaten irreparable harm to these ancient mountain landscapes.
Read More