Book excerpt: Coal, Oil Shale, Natural Bitumen, Heavy Oil and Peat is a component of Encyclopedia of Energy Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme on Coal, Oil Shale, Natural Bitumen, Heavy Oil and Peat with contributions from distinguished experts in the field discusses matters of great relevance to our world such as: Coal, Oil Shale, Natural Bitumen, Heavy Oil and Peat; Coal Geology and Geochemistry; Coal Technology; Oil Shale; Natural Bitumen (Tar Sands) and Heavy Oil; Peat and Peatland. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.