It’s great to see articles on MU students taking action about coal. Coal is the most destructive form of energy that we use on a daily basis. These students are on the right path, and I am happy they are shedding light on how urgent it is to stop the use of coal.
It is always said that coal is still around because it is cheap; however, it is not when you take in all the aspects — especially the health of our community. One in six women has mercury levels too high to bear healthy children. Babies born with too much mercury in their blood are at risk for physical and mental disabilities. Isn’t out next generation’s health too high of a price to pay for energy?
Renewables cannot wait until the future; the time is now. MU should be a leader on this issue because this is a burden our generation must take on. Renewable energy is what we need for a clean and sustainable future, and I urge the MU administration to take proactive steps to make clean energy on campus a reality.
Mallory Schillinger is an MU student who lives in Columbia.