In conjunction with Ohio University's designation of April as Earth Month, Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus takes on faculty members from across the academic spectrum, addressing some of the most controversial issues facing the environment, both locally and globally. These debates showcase the wide diversity of opinions that coexist within the community of environmental advocates.

In today's debate, Marcus and Associate Professor of Journalism Bernhard Debatin discuss the legitimacy of clean coal -- or methods used by coal producers and utilities to reduce coal's environmental impact. Debatin addresses this topic among many local environmental concerns in his recently created journalism course, "Localizing Environmental and Science Journalism." The course was triggered by Debatin's involvement in the Kanawha Environmental Education Project, a professional development series that aims to integrate concepts of environmental sustainability into Ohio University's curriculum. In addition to teaching environmental journalism, Debatin has devoted the past two years to researching the environmental and social impacts of coal mining in Athens County.