The Carmichael Coalmine proposal has come under fire from the Australian Climate Council with the project being touted as a mistake, with renewable technologies such as solar being praised as a much more effective option.
The report released by the Climate Council encourages the closing of all existing coal mines and finds the creation of more as untenable if Australia is to push forward to its commitment made during the Paris Agreement.
If the mine was opened it would contribute 1.3 times the amount of current annual emissions and put Australia in the top 15 carbon emitting countries in the world.
Carmichael Coalmine hurting a variety of sectors
Apart from the obvious issues of contributing to climate change the move to open the Carmichael Coalmine would have serious effects on Australia’s tourism and agriculture industries.
The report points specifically to natural treasures such as the Great Barrier Reef which is threatened by climate change and the coral bleaching which is happening as a direct result.
The agricultural impacts are also highlighted in this report with worsening weather conditions impacting upon farmers and stocks.
In addition the health industry in Australia would be negatively impacted with particulate air pollution (fine particles that enter the lungs) causing 4.2 million deaths globally in 2015.
Climate Councillor and climate scientist Professor Will Steffen saying,
“To protect Australia from worsening climate change, such as more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heatwaves, bushfires and floods, the burning of coal must be rapidly phased out.”
“Burning coal is a major source of air pollution. We know it can cause serious health issues and even life-threatening disease in humans. That’s been brought into sharp focus this year with 20 cases of black lung being diagnosed in Queensland.”
Carmichael Coalmine financially untenable
In addition to these issues listed by the Climate Council from a financial standpoint it no longer makes sense to invest in coal.
With the move away from this fossil fuel worldwide money may end up being tied up in an antiquated energy source. In addition to this it costs less to produce renewable energy as explored in the report,
“Silverton Wind Farm will deliver power to the grid at a price of $65 per MWh (megawatt-hour) compared to new coal power, which could have costs of up to $160 per MWh”.
Advanced solar solutions are available via Energy Matters, suitable for both business and residential customers.
