Watch Dirty Business

Dirty Business is a 2009 documentary film that explores the impact of coal on the environment and human health. The film is directed by Peter Bull and narrated by Jeff Goodell, a contributing editor to Rolling Stone Magazine. The film begins with an overview of the coal industry, tracing its history from the 19th century to the present day. It highlights the importance of coal as a source of energy and its role in driving economic growth, but also raises concerns about its negative impact on the environment and public health.

The documentary then takes a closer look at several aspects of the coal industry, including mountaintop removal mining, coal-fired power plants, and coal ash disposal sites. It features interviews with scientists, activists, industry representatives, and residents of coal-mining communities, who share their perspectives on the social and environmental costs of coal.

One of the main themes of the film is the devastating impact of mountaintop removal mining on the Appalachian region of the United States. The practice involves removing entire mountaintops to access coal deposits, and has been linked to widespread environmental degradation, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The film shows footage of mountaintop removal sites and interviews with local residents who have been affected by the practice.

Another focus of the film is the health effects of coal, particularly air pollution from coal-fired power plants. The film cites statistics linking coal pollution to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. It features interviews with doctors and public health experts who discuss the health risks associated with coal, as well as residents of coal-affected communities who have experienced health problems themselves.

The film also examines the issue of coal ash disposal, which involves storing the waste from coal-fired power plants in ponds or landfills. The ash contains toxic substances such as mercury, arsenic, and lead, which can leak into groundwater and surface water, posing a threat to public health. The film shows footage of coal ash disposal sites and interviews with residents who have experienced health problems as a result of exposure to coal ash.

Throughout the film, the director and narrator take a critical stance on the coal industry, arguing that the negative social and environmental impacts of coal outweigh its economic benefits. They also highlight the role of government policies and regulations in shaping the coal industry, and suggest that more needs to be done to address the environmental and public health impacts of coal.

Overall, Dirty Business is a compelling and informative documentary that sheds light on the complex issues surrounding the coal industry. It provides a nuanced exploration of the social, environmental, and health impacts of coal, and offers a critical perspective on the role of this fossil fuel in contemporary society.