Environmental Justice and Mountaintop Removal
This week you will learn about the method of mountaintop removal as a means to extract natural resources from deep within the Earth. Before you begin, watch Mountaintop Removal pt. 1 of 2 and Mountaintop Removal part 2 of 2. Then, write a paper that utilizes at least four scholarly resources to discuss this technology in regards to environmental ethics. Your paper should address each of the following concepts below:
a. Discuss how mountaintop removal presents a case of environmental justice.
b. Describes how mountaintop removal might impact animal habitat and the human environment.
c. Discuss whether it is necessary to preserve nature in the areas affected by mountaintop removal.
d. Describe the responsibilities that coal companies and current residents of the communities affected by mountaintop removal have, if any, to future generations of people who might live in those areas.
e. Present a conclusion concerning whether coal companies or residents should have a greater voice in deciding how the land is used. Be sure to support your answer by using the concepts learned in class.