Homegrown Resistance To Mountaintop Removal For The Future Of Us All

Mountaintop removal is a destructive practice that has been causing irreparable damage to our natural landscapes, communities, and ecosystems. The fight against this environmentally destructive method of coal mining has given rise to a homegrown resistance movement. Activists and communities are coming together to protect the environment, their homes, and the future of us all.

Understanding Mountaintop Removal

Mountaintop removal is a mining technique where the top of a mountain is blasted off to extract coal seams. This process not only destroys entire ecosystems but also pollutes nearby air and water resources. The resulting environmental degradation has severe consequences for local communities, including increased rates of respiratory diseases, water contamination, and the displacement of families.

Mountain Justice: Homegrown Resistance to Mountaintop Removal, for the Future of Us All

by Tricia Shapiro (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1672 KB
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Print length	:	386 pages

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Furthermore, the long-term impacts of mountaintop removal extend beyond the environmental and health issues. The destruction of mountains alters the geography and hydrology of the region, leading to changes in water quality, flooding, and soil erosion.

The Homegrown Resistance

In the face of these devastating effects, communities situated near mountaintop removal sites have formed a homegrown resistance movement. People from various backgrounds, ideologies, and walks of life have come together to fight against the destructive forces that threaten their homes and the greater environment.

1. Grassroots Activism

Grassroots activism plays a significant role in the homegrown resistance against mountaintop removal. Local residents, supported by national environmental organizations, have organized protests, raised awareness, and put pressure on lawmakers to enact legislation that protects their communities. The power of their collective voice is a force to be reckoned with.

2. Legal Battles

Homegrown resistance movements are not limited to street protests and demonstrations. Communities have taken the fight to court, challenging permits, and regulations that enable mountaintop removal. Through legal battles, these activists aim to hold mining companies and regulatory agencies accountable for the environmental damage caused by their operations.

3. Innovative Solutions

The homegrown resistance movement is not only about opposing mountaintop removal but also about embracing alternative solutions. Many communities are investing in sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power, reducing the demand for coal. By promoting these innovative solutions, activists are envisioning a future where energy production is environmentally friendly and socially just.

The Future Is In Our Hands

The homegrown resistance to mountaintop removal embodies the spirit of community, environmental preservation, and the fight for justice. These activists are not only protecting their immediate surroundings but are also advocating for a sustainable and equitable future for all of us. It is through their collective efforts that positive change can be achieved.

As we witness the homegrown resistance gaining momentum, it becomes clear that the future of mountaintop removal lies in the hands of the people. By supporting the movement, spreading awareness, and demanding action, we contribute to the restoration of our natural landscapes and the well-being of communities affected by this destructive practice.

The homegrown resistance to mountaintop removal is a symbol of hope and resilience. It is a reminder that we, as individuals and communities, have the power to stand up against destructive practices and pave the way for a better future. By joining forces, we can ensure that our mountains, ecosystems, and communities thrive, preserving a sustainable and just world for generations to come.

Mountain Justice: Homegrown Resistance to Mountaintop Removal, for the Future of Us All

by Tricia Shapiro (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1672 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

FREE

"Shapiro is one of the few writers on this subject that actually understands the strategy, the tactics, and the internal politics of a dynamic and growing movement. This is environmental journalism at it best."—Mike Roselle, Earth First! founder and author of Tree Spiker

Mountaintop removal (MTR) does exactly what it says: a mountaintop is stripped of trees, blown to bits with explosives, then pushed aside by giant equipment—all to expose a layer of coal to be mined. Hundreds of thousands of acres of ancient forested mountains have been "removed" this way and will never again support the biologically rich and diverse forest and stream communities that evolved there over millions of years—all to support our flawed national energy policy.

Mountain Justice tells a terrific set of firsthand stories about living with MTR and offers on-the-scene—and behind-the-scenes—reporting of what people are doing to try to stop it. Tricia Shapiro lets the victims of mountaintop removal and their allies tell their own stories, allowing moments of quiet dignity and righteous indignation to share center stage. Includes coverage of the sharp escalation of anti-MTR civil disobedience, with more than 130 arrests in West Virginia alone during the first year of the Obama administration.

Tricia Shapiro has been closely following and writing about efforts to end large-scale strip mining for coal in Appalachia since 2004. She now lives on a remote mountain homestead in western North Carolina, near the Tennessee border.