In a sense, Central Appalachia is as threatened by climate change as much as any other place on Earth. Since the 1970s alone, 2 billion tons of coal have been extracted from the region, providing fuel for a highly industrialized nation and jobs for thousands in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and surrounding areas.
But as the single biggest contributor to rising global temperatures, the energy source is being phased out, and with it an entire way of life.
The impact of coal on Central Appalachia – the economy, the people, the culture – is explored in King Coal, directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon, a native of the region.
She appears on the latest edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast to discuss her feature documentary, winner of awards at film festivals across the country.
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