Explore the devastating health impacts of mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia through this eye-opening TED talk. Delve into professor Michael Hendryx's groundbreaking research, which reveals significantly higher rates of birth defects, serious diseases, and mortality in populations living near these mining sites. Learn about the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists when uncovering potentially dangerous environmental practices, and discover how Hendryx navigates opposition from the coal industry and local governments to advocate for affected communities. Gain insight into the public health consequences of coal mining and the moral imperative to protect vulnerable populations in this thought-provoking 14-minute presentation.