Embers of Change
What we can learn from shutting down the world's largest coalfield, and the transition to a better energy future.
My grandfather was part of the worlds largest coal industry right here in my hometown, on the mountain I still live on. I want to be part of the transition to a renewable future. Through this project we will document the exploitation of natural resources that took place in the south Wales valleys in the first ever NGS project by a Welsh person.
This would be the first National Geographic Society project led by a Welsh person (to my knowledge). I’ve often tried to tell stories of people that need help telling it. I’ve worked with communities across the world. And it was only with the help of the staff at NGS that I realised that I’d neglected my own people, and their story.
During the peak of the industry in the early 1900s, Welsh coal exports were valued at tens of millions of pounds per year. But the mining industry was often owned by wealthy companies outside of Wales, and profits were not always reinvested in the local communities. Conditions had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of workers and their families.
My family was one of those families. My grandfather worked in the mines from the age of 13 to 36. He had 85% dust on his lungs because of this. The legacy of the South Wales coal mining industry can still be seen in the region's landscape, culture, and heritage.
England closed many coal mines in Wales in the 1980’s, just as I was born. The South Wales Valleys experienced significant poverty and unemployment following the closing of the coal industry. The region faced social and economic challenges, including high levels of deprivation, poor health outcomes, and low educational attainment. 25% of children in my community still live below the poverty line. These are the communities I will work with as we make the transition from coal to renewable energy, who’s stories are worth telling.
with Huw James
Huw James is an accomplished science communicator, captivating audiences worldwide with his unique blend of entertainment and education. With a career spanning over a decade, Huw has dedicated himself to making science accessible, engaging, and fun for people of all ages.
Beyond his live performances and media appearances, Huw is an advocate for science literacy and its role in addressing global challenges. He actively collaborates with scientific organisations and institutions, lending his expertise to initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between science and society.
Huw's passion for science communication knows no bounds. Whether he's hosting workshops, conducting experiments, or sharing captivating stories on stage, Huw James continues to be a driving force in inspiring people of all ages to embrace the wonders of science.
Beneath the Surface
This project would be in both English language and Welsh language. So the outcomes of this project could be far-reaching and impactful in my country. By documenting the exploitation and removal of natural resources, the project could bring attention to the environmental and social costs of resource extraction and stimulate conversations around sustainable resource management. Especially in today's age of new mineral extraction for batteries and technology.
The project could also serve to protect the wonder of the world by raising awareness about the need for responsible and sustainable resource extraction. The photographs and story would be used to advocate for stronger regulations and policies that prioritise the well-being of local communities and the environment over profit.
There are thousands of abandoned coal tips in South Wales, which can be dangerous due to their instability and potential to pollute water sources. There have been high-profile incidents involving coal tip collapses, including the 1966 Aberfan disaster that killed 144 people, mostly children. Efforts are underway to address the risks posed by these tips, but the scale of the problem is significant and will require significant resources. Wales recently requested £60 million to deal with these dangerous coal tips but was denied its request by the English government who hold the purse strings.
Wales' Burning Legacy
We will document the scars left behind by the mining industry, including the pollution of the air and water, and the destruction of the landscape. Wales has 2456 coal tips (where the leftovers of coal extractions are strewn across the mountain top). 327 of these are classed as dangerous, where the leftovers, under the weight of heavy rain, may slide into towns and houses. A full list of dangerous coal tips are due to be released July 2023. Even if they are safe, the coal tips are almost always barren, void of life and too unsafe to build on.
The project would also highlight the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the mining communities in South Wales, despite the environmental degradation and exploitation that they have experienced. Through the photographs, the project would showcase the resilience and creativity of these communities, encouraging the preservation of their traditions and stories. We would interview those still living who worked in the mines and put them front and centre.
From Ashes to Advocacy
This is not a historic issue either, Aberpergwm Colliery is a historic coal mine in South Wales. In 2008, Energybuild was granted a licence to extract coal from the site, but this was controversial due to concerns about the environment and climate change. In 2021, the Welsh government decided not to renew the licence. This is now being overridden by the English government and 40 million tonnes of coal is set to be removed, despite Welsh people and government saying no. Legal action is ongoing.
The discovery of the Ffos y Fran opencast coal mine operating illegally has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about environmental protection. The mine, which had been operating under the radar and without the necessary permits, has not only been extracting coal without proper regulation, but also causing irreparable damage to the surrounding ecosystem. The unauthorized operations have resulted in the destruction of natural habitats, pollution of waterways, and release of harmful greenhouse gases, exacerbating the already pressing issue of climate change. The alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation and oversight of mining activities, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding our environment for future generations.
OTHER WORK
AMANITA DREAMER
This was a photo and video story to document the journey of a group of psychonauts high in the hills of Switzerland. It was a delicate balance of documentary film making getting close to those taking part, and stepping back to allow them to have their own journeys. All participants had amanita muscaria mushrooms prepared for them in either tea or smoking format. Then, later in the evening, they banged drums and chanted whilst taking the mushrooms. These photos document the preparation and beginning of the ceremony.
