Adam Tooze · Trouble Transitioning: What energy transition?
On the Welsh side, I am the descendent of multiple generations of miners. I do not have a high opinion of the mine owners.
As Fressoz points out, anyone who claims that the dawning of the coal age in the 19th century freed us from our reliance on organic materials has never been down a mine. Miners traditionally preferred timber pit props to hold up mineshafts not only because they are cheap and flexible, but because their creaking gives early warning of a failure. Survival as a coalminer depended on being a competent carpenter.[emphasis added]
Wood, no more. My brother once had a summer job at British Steel in Cardiff where a more modern but more silent fabrication product held the ceiling up. No more.