The most difficult task, phase-out over the next 20-25 years of coal use that does not capture CO₂, is Herculean, yet feasible when compared with the efforts that went into World War II. The stakes, for all life on the planet, surpass those of any previous crisis. The greatest danger is continued ignorance and denial, which could make tragic consequences unavoidable.

The danger is that the compromises and special interests inherent in Kyoto-style targets and cap-and-trade will be accepted because of bureaucratic momentum.

The democratic process is supposed to be one person one vote, but it turns out that money is talking louder than the votes.

Coal is the single greatest threat to civilization and all life on our planet.

We have known since the 1800s that carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere. The right amount keeps the climate conducive to human life.

The trains carrying coal to power plants are death trains. Coal-fired power plants are factories of death.

I was lucky to grow up at a time when it was not difficult for the child of a tenant farmer to make his way to the state university.