Coal

Coal is a widely used fossil fuel, formed from the preserved remains of ancient forests and other organic materials. It is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock composed mainly of carbon and hydrocarbons. It is used as a fuel source in power plants to generate electricity, and is also used in steel production and other industrial processes. Coal is an important source of energy, accounting for over 40% of the world's electricity production. In addition, it provides jobs in many sectors of the economy, including mining, transportation and power plant operation. It is also used in the production of various chemicals, as a source of carbon dioxide for carbonation of beverages, and as a source of heat for space heating and powering industrial processes. The increased use of coal has raised environmental concerns, as burning it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.