Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Environmental Impact of Newcomen's Steam Engine

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine marked a significant advancement in mining technology by increasing coal extraction efficiency. However, its widespread adoption led to increased coal consumption, igniting a surge in air pollution across industrial regions. This environmental burden resulted in deteriorating air quality, adversely affecting local ecosystems and public health. Communities near coal mines faced rising respiratory ailments, highlighting early concerns over fossil fuel reliance and its ecological repercussions.