The not so good earth

While Shanxi provides the fuel that powers China’s sizzling economy, thousands of acres of land are sinking because of the ravages of underground coal mining.

Moreover, coal fires are burning uncontrollably below ground here and through much of northern China, adding to global warming by releasing huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Each year, scientists say, about 200 million tons of coal – more than was burned in all of Japan last year – are consumed by raging underground fires that are sometimes started by lightning and sometimes ignited by mining accidents.
International Herald Tribune