EMAIL THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Urge him to rethink this decision.
CLICK HERE
The Australian Government has just approved the Carmichael Coal and Rail Project. The biggest coal mine in Australia’s history and one of the biggest in the world, less than a month after making Australia the first country in the world to axe a tax on carbon. I am sure, like us here at 1 Million Women you are feeling shattered and hollow at this news. It is a MASSIVE step backwards for action on climate change.
The approved proposal from Indian mining company Adani, consists of a giant $16 billion coal mine and rail project to be built near Central Queensland. The mine will cover over 200 square kilometres and will include six open cut mines and up to five underground mines.
The Conversation reports:
"Professor Roger Jones, climate expert at Victoria University, said the total emissions from the Carmichael mine (including burning the coal) could account for 4% of global emissions by mid century, contributing between 0.011-0.027C to warming."
Just in case that didn’t sink in here it is again 4% of GLOBAL EMISSIONS from a single coal mine. Located here, in Australia. It's shameful.
The Carmichael Coal and Rail Project, is predicted to produce 60 million tonnes of thermal coal a year, and expected to have an operating life of 90 years.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt signed off on the deal this week; two months after the state government gave the nod of approval.
Mr. Hunt has explained that the deal is subject to 36 strict conditions focused on conserving ground water.
"Mr Hunt said in a statement the strict conditions for the project's approval were mostly focused on conserving groundwater, such as requiring 730 megalitres of water be returned to the Great Artesian Basin every year for five years.
'These 36 conditions complement the conditions imposed by the Queensland Government, and will ensure the proponent meets the highest environmental standards and that all impacts, including cumulative impacts, are avoided, mitigated or offset,' Mr Hunt said.
'A rigorous, open and thorough environmental assessment process was undertaken to take account of the public interest in the project.'
Mr Hunt said he had also visited the proposed site to better understand the project and met with the local community to understand their views.
'The project, which was proposed and advanced under the previous state and federal ALP governments, will have a resource value of $5 billion per annum over 60 years,' he said.
'At full export capacity, the project is expected to contribute almost $930 million to the Mackay region's gross regional product and $2.97 billion to the Queensland economy each year for the next 60 years.'"
Will Mr. Hunt quote the export capacity to his grandchildren when they ask why we didn’t act on climate change?
We may be on a path to reducing our impact on the planet as individuals but the Australian government is on a path of destruction. At a time when the world is uniting to fight against dangerous climate, Australia is moving backwards.
Women and girls of 1 Million Women, we need to take action. We need to put pressure on the Australian government to rethink this decision.
Email Environment Minister Greg Hunt here and urge him to rethink this decision.
EMAIL THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Urge him to rethink this decision.
CLICK HERE