Coal mining leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination.

Coal mining, particularly through methods like mountaintop removal, has wide-ranging environmental consequences. It contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, notably through methane release during extraction and carbon dioxide when the coal is burned for energy. The mining process also destroys wildlife habitats, displacing plant and animal species. Additionally, coal mining often results in soil erosion and water contamination, as sediments and pollutants from mining operations enter nearby water sources, impacting water quality. These combined impacts highlight the significant environmental challenges posed by coal extraction and use​.