Summary:
Warren Buffett is one of America's richest investors and businessmen. He has a green reputation for investing in solar and wind energy; however this reputation is about to be burned... in coal (it's a pun I'm sorry). His companies (MidAmerican Energy and Burlington Northern Sante Fe) plan to exploit coal mines in Otter Creek, Montana, build a railroad along Tongue River to transport the coal to ports in Washington and Oregon, expand ports, and export the coal to developing Asian countries (including China), which demand cheap energy. This plan would take land away from Native Americans, ranchers, and Amish farmers in addition to drastically raising the emission of greenhouse gases since the coal in Otter Creek is one of the biggest and dirtiest in the west. Supporters of this plan say that this will create needed jobs and tax revenues.
Quote:
"The coal will go to China, the profits will go to the coal and railroad companies, and Montana will be left to pay the costs"
Personal Thoughts:
It seems like the most common excuse for expanding unethical practices (coal mines, tar sands, the oxford casino) is that it'll create more jobs and benefit the economy. The sad thing is, people really do buy into this. Is the money we get now really worth our health in the future? I know that it is our individualist, competitive nature that drives our modern, innovative world but at what risk and to what degree is this really necessary? Is our own greed really that powerful? With the track that climate change is on now, it's clear that greed has been defeating morality.
Citation:
Gunther, Marc. "Warren Buffett's Coal Problem." Sierra May 2013: 44-49. Print.
I agree with your statement about whether or not it is worth it to risk our health in the future to attain what we think is best for now. Even though it may create more jobs, in the long run it doesn't benefit anyone but the government.
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