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  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1562.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1563.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1410.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1564.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1566.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1419.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1408.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1395.jpg
  • Children watch as Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1369.jpg
  • Children watch as Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    DSC_1361.jpg
  • Ramla Sharif roasts coffee inside her home in the village of Choche in Ethiopia. Legend has it this is the birthplace of coffee. The region is home to the largest pool of genetic diversity in the world of coffee. It is home to more genetic diversity in coffee than the rest of the producing countries combined by a huge margin.
    ETH_0068.jpg
  • Fishermen and women selling the fish work the market  in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India   September ,2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    11PNSJ.jpg
  • Fishing families  in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India  repairs boats  September ,2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0013.JPG
  • Fishermen and women selling the fish work the market  in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India   September ,2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0005.JPG
  • Fishing families  in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India  work the early morning fish market as boats bring in their catch September ,2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0007.JPG
  • Fishing families in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India    bring in their catch September ,2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0004.jpg
  • Massilimani and his wife Punitha put up photographs of their children and relatives who died in the tsunami inside the temporary shelter where they sleep. They wanted to move back to Arynatu beach but are afraid to after a man said he saw ghosts.  Life goes on inside the temporary shelters despite the searing temperatures and daily struggles as families try to  recover from the deadly tsunami in  Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India August  13, 2005. The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0001.jpg
  • Neighbors gather to drink coffee that Amlel Ambaye  and Zeritu Makonen prepared for a coffee ceremony inside their family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_8251.jpg
  • Andarge Adiyo harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0120.jpg
  • Andarge Adiyo harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0119.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0115.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0111.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0122.jpg
  • Andarge Adiyo harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0118.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0116.jpg
  • Admasu Ayele harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0112.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0109.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0105.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0103.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0099.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_7419.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    DSC_2170.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    DSC_2156.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    DSC_2138.jpg
  • Bezabih Bayu harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0113.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds?the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable?most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0101.jpg
  • Mikeke Bezebih sorts coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_7816.jpg
  • Jamila Abamacha harvests coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    DSC_2206.jpg
  • Ethiopians harvest coffee on the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia. It is one of Ethiopia's largest plantations where Starbucks buys much of its coffee from Ethiopia.Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. Families prepare it in the living room using a pan to roast over coals, a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. The coffee ceremony is at once a social tradition, a celebration of the virtuous properties of coffee, and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection. Coffee is served over a period of time in three individual rounds—the Abol, Tona, and Baraka, each of which has its specific significance. Life without coffee is almost unimaginable—most people drink it in the morning, the afternoon, the evening, and sometimes late into the night. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_7343.jpg
  • Amlel Ambaye prepares a coffee ceremony inside her family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0132.jpg
  • Coptic christians bath in what they believe is holy water in the river Abune in Barentu, Eritrea August 29, 2006. They believe that the water cured a blind girl and her brother who was paralyzed  over 30 years ago. Hundreds of pilgrims came to the site  to make  offerings of goat, drink the holy water, bath and pray.     (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0019.jpg
  • Amlel Ambaye prepares a coffee ceremony inside her family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_0133.jpg
  • Coptic christians bath in what they believe is holy water in the river Abune in Barentu, Eritrea August 29, 2006. They believe that the water cured a blind girl and her brother who was paralyzed  over 30 years ago. Hundreds of pilgrims came to the site  to make  offerings of goat, drink the holy water, bath and pray.     (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0047.jpg
  • Coptic christians bath in what they believe is holy water in the river Abune in Barentu, Eritrea August 29, 2006. They believe that the water cured a blind girl and her brother who was paralyzed  over 30 years ago. Hundreds of pilgrims came to the site  to make  offerings of goat, drink the holy water, bath and pray.     (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0014t.jpg
  • Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. A clay pot is used to boil and brew the coffee. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_8229.jpg
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 12:  Zahara holds Nadia, both orphans living at the Shahad Nik Mohammed orphanage  in Kabul, Afghanistan September 12,2002. The children only had tea to drink this morning because there was not even money for bread which costs about five cents a loaf. They are living in desperate conditions as this country struggles to rebuild itself.   (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    kab101F.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  A Maoist  insurgent holds a baby at a village in Rukum district April 20, 2004. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000  fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  Though the movement uses violence to acheive theri goals, many say that the positive effects in the areas that are dominated by them are that there is there is less abuse because people are not allowed to drink alcohol or have mulitple wives.  they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami165.jpg
  • Amlel Ambaye prepares a coffee ceremony inside her family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
    ETH_8161.jpg
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 12:  Fatima and Nadia, both orphans living at the Shahad Nik Mohammed orphanage  in Kabul, Afghanistan cry September 12,2002. The children only had tea to drink this morning because there was not even money for bread which costs about five cents a loaf. They are living in desperate conditions as this country struggles to rebuild itself.   (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    kab102F.jpg
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 12:  Fatima and Nadia, both orphans living at the Shahad Nik Mohammed orphanage  in Kabul, Afghanistan cry September 12,2002. The children only had tea to drink this morning because there was not even money for bread which costs about five cents a loaf. They are living in desperate conditions as this country struggles to rebuild itself.   (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    DSC_0003B.jpg
  • Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    DSC_8459.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9354.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9308.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • The landscape is beautiful outside Hobet Mining's mountaintop mine in southern West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • Trains carry coal from Williamson, West Virginia, where mountaintop mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • An home sits abandoned in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Quinnie Richmond walks around inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Quinnie Richmond poses inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Roger Richmond and his mother, Quinnie, pose outside their home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, Roger and Quinnie Richmond are the only original residents that remain. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Roger Richmond and his mother, Quinnie, pose outside their home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, Roger and Quinnie Richmond are the only original residents that remain. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Charlie Branham, a former coal miner, poses with his wife Donna outside their home in Lenore, West Virginia. Donna Branham shaved her head on the steps of the West Virginia Capitol with a group of women in protest to mountaintop-removal mining. The shaving of their heads was symbolic of the mountains that have been stripped of all of the living things on them. It was also symbolic of the many people who are sick or dying as the result of Mountaintop Removal. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. "People don't know how hard it is on the Appalachian people," Branham said of mountaintop-removal mining. "They have no idea. And they don't want to know. As long as they don't have to look at it, they can ignore it." © Ami Vitale
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  • Just down the road from Lindytown, West Virginia, Leo Cook looks out a window of the now-vandalized building that once served as the meeting hall for members of Local 8377 of the United Mine Workers of America. Back when the building was in use, Cook sometimes polished its wooden floors. Mountaintop-removal mines are now abundant in the area. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. The mountaintop-removal mine near Blair caused the population to fall from 700 in the 1990s to fewer than 50 today, according to the Blair Mountain Heritage Alliance. "I saw Lindytown disappear," Leo Cook said. "Three people up there that died, and I believe in my soul -- I'll go to my grave believin' this?that aggravation's what caused it." © Ami Vitale
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  • Near his home in Bandytown, West Virginia, Leo Cook visits the Webb Cemetery, where several of his relatives are buried. Bandytown is in the heart of America, where mountaintop-removal mines are abundant. Mining firms must maintain a 100-foot protective zone around such burial grounds. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. The mountaintop-removal mine near Blair caused the population to fall from 700 in the 1990s to fewer than 50 today, according to the Blair Mountain Heritage Alliance. "I saw Lindytown disappear," Leo Cook said. "Three people up there that died, and I believe in my soul -- I'll go to my grave believin' this?that aggravation's what caused it." © Ami Vitale
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  • Supporters of a protest against coal mining on the steps of the West Virginia Capitol sit and watch as people shave their heads. The shaving of their heads was symbolic of the mountains that have been stripped of all of the living things on them. It was also symbolic of the many people who are sick or dying as the result of Mountaintop Removal. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • On the steps of the West Virginia State Capitol, Paula Swearengin shaves the head of Tori Wong of Virginia. The shaving of their heads was symbolic of the mountains that have been stripped of all of the living things on them. It was also symbolic of the many people who are sick or dying as the result of Mountaintop Removal. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. "Watch out, King Coal," Swearengin said, "because here come the Queens of Appalachia." © Ami Vitale
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  • A woman protests mountaintop-removal mining in West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • On the steps of the West Virginia State Capitol, Paula Swearengin shaves the head of Tori Wong of Virginia. The shaving of their heads was symbolic of the mountains that have been stripped of all of the living things on them. It was also symbolic of the many people who are sick or dying as the result of Mountaintop Removal. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. "Watch out, King Coal," Swearengin said, "because here come the Queens of Appalachia." © Ami Vitale
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  • Villagers of Zigberi get water from the only pump well that offers clean water for miles in a remote part of Burkina Faso in the desert region near the Malian border March 28, 2007.  Water is  precious commodity here and most families end up drinking dirty water rather than walk the miles it takes to get to the well. Ami Vitale
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  • Children play on top of a cooler filled with cold drinks after a day of branding on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8959.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8932.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8930.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8922.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8913.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8900.jpg
  • Signs are posted outside Hobet Mining's mountaintop mine in southern West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8792.jpg
  • Signs are posted outside Hobet Mining's mountaintop mine in southern West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
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  • Trains carry coal from Williamson, West Virginia, where mountaintop mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Trains carry coal from Williamson, West Virginia, where mountaintop mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6092.jpg
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