Burning The Future - Coal In America

Burning The Future: Coal In America is a poignant and gripping 2008 American documentary film that offers a deep dive into the environmental, economic, and public health implications of coal mining and consumption, particularly focusing on the Appalachia region. This engrossing film is directed by David Novack, featuring compelling narratives from Maria Gunnoe, Bill Raney, and Rocky Hackworth among other notable figures and local residents adversely affected by the industry.

The film opens by providing a panoptic view of Appalachia, renowned for its vivid landscapes, cultural heritage, and the private-hearted people who thrive in its hills and valleys. However, it's these same mountains of West Virginia that harbor a rich bedside of coal, pivotal to the American energy industry, yet devastating to the environment and local communities when extracted using a controversial practice known as mountaintop removal mining. This story is not just about coal, but about American people, their livelihoods, and ultimately, about power - both electrical and political.

Maria Gunnoe, a prominent figure in the documentary, is a local resident turned committed environmental activist, who has faced the direct impacts of mountaintop removal mining. Her family has lived off the land in Boone County, West Virginia for generations, but with the advent of this mining, their homes, water sources, and lifestyle are gravely threatened. Maria's individual story serves as an emotional thread throughout the film, encapsulating the resistance of local communities against environmental exploitation and symbolizing their resilience amid adversity.

Bill Raney, the president of West Virginia Coal Association and a persuasive spokesman for the coal industry, and Rocky Hackworth, a miner for more than thirty years, represent the other side of the debate, giving the film a balanced perspective. They keenly stress the economic benefits and job provisions the coal industry brings to the otherwise impoverished rural lands while expressing concern over misconceptions and misinformation about the coal mining industry’s practices and policies.

Burning The Future: Coal In America doesn’t shy away from exploring the clashes between the coal industry and residents suffering from water pollution and displacement caused by mountaintop removal mining. It presents damning evidence of environmental implications through disturbing aerial footage of decimated landscapes and questionable water quality due to the seeping of toxic heavy metals.

Scientific arguments are woven into the exploration of legal, political, and social avenues as well. The film brings forth expert testimonies from lawyers, scientists, and doctors who have been studying the impact of coal mining on the environment. They provide an essential dimension to the argument with credible data and rigorous investigation, substantiating the claims of environmental degradation and health hazards.

The film also highlights the political tug-of-war that mining triggers at State and Federal levels and documents the tireless efforts of activists lobbying against lawmakers and corporations for a cleaner environment. It puts forth a stark dichotomy: the relentless need and demand for energy and the staggering environmental and human cost paid in pursuit of it.

Lastly, Burning The Future: Coal In America, while pointing out the irrevocable damage caused by coal mining, also draws attention towards potential alternatives like renewable energy sources. This final aspect opens a window to optimism, proposing an ideal world where energy needs don't jeopardize environmental sustainability and public health.

Visually stunning, emotionally stirring, and intellectually challenging, Burning The Future: Coal In America unfolds the American coal story through a blend of personal narratives, aerial footage, scientific data, and expert testimonies. It challenges viewers to re-think just how far they’re willing to go for power and at what cost, ultimately prompting a much-needed dialogue about energy, environment, economics, and ethics in contemporary society. The film doesn't seek to provide definitive answers; instead, it encourages viewers to ponder over questions that will significantly impact our future.