Introduction This paper entails an analysis on a case study that illustrates a number of issues. First, the case evaluates the circumstances that can enhance the development of the coal business by opening up and exploiting coalmines. Secondly, the paper evaluates the significance of the marginal concept and its application in minimising destruction of rain forests. Finally, the paper evaluates how marginal concepts can be integrated in the process of formulating strategies aimed at enhancing conservation of natural resources such as crude oil. Discussion Climate change is one of the critical challenges facing the society today. The debate on global warming will not end soon as the involved stakeholders hold disparate views on the issue. Different aspects can be used to explain the high rate of climate change. One of these issues relates to environmental pollution. Using coal as one of the sources of energy without incorporating the necessary environmental measures may increase the rate of environmental pollution. The coal industry is considered as one of the most complex energy industries. For example, it is estimated that the United Kingdom’s coal industry contributes approximately 33% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Europe is characterised by abundant coal reserves. Despite this aspect, the industry has experienced a significant decline in the rate of its growth. No new coal businesses are currently being established in the country. One of the main reasons for this trend relates to the high costs associated with exploiting coal reserves. One of the main issues that can be used to explain whether there will be more coal businesses established in Europe relates to whether exploiting the coal reserves is economically beneficial. The high rate of closure amongst coalmines in the European region is an indicator of a high marginal cost compared to the marginal benefit. The global energy industry is undergoing a rampant change. Businesses are increasingly inclining to clean sources of energy in an effort to minimise emission of greenhouse gases. If the marginal utility of producing energy from coal compared to crude oil is high or the cost of importing gas from other countries is high as compared to exploiting coal, then the total utility of exploiting coal would be high. Subsequently, it would be economically viable to open new coal businesses in order to exploit the coal resources. However, this scenario is not the case contemporarily. Currently, crude oil is the main source of energy. However, there has been a significant increment in demand for oil over the years as compared to supply. Most countries do not have adequate oil capacity to satisfy the corresponding demand. Subsequently, oil prices in the global market are rising at an alarming rate. Considering the scarce nature of non-renewable resources, countries will be forced to consider how they can exploit coal resources, which are currently considered as economically non-viable. One of the ways through which, this goal will be achieved is by investing in technology that will lead to the reduction of the marginal cost of exploiting the coal. At that point, the marginal benefit of exploiting coal compared to the marginal cost will be high. Currently, the industry is undergoing a high rate of modernisation, rationalis