Wednesday 24 September 2014

"Coal has no future in worlds energy mix" - UN


I wonder how Abbott's gonna explain this one:
The UN has warned that coal has no future in the world's energy mix, as world leaders gather ahead of a major climate summit in New York.

The Federal Government says coal will serve as an affordable, dependable energy source for decades to come, but the UN's climate chief has questioned whether that is in Australia's best interests long term.

"It is certainly within Australia's purview to decide how Australia is going to pursue its energy generation and energy growth," Christiana Figueres said. "It is just a question of really thinking through very carefully what is in the best long-term interest of Australia and of the Australian population, making careful decisions that are informed both by today’s reality of climate change impacts as well as tomorrow's but very soon reality of a low-carbon society."

More than 120 world leaders, including US president Barack Obama and UK prime minister David Cameron will attend the UN secretary-general's climate summit starting today. more
Meanwhile, the coal industry is in serious strife here in Australia:
Mining giant BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has announced it is to axe 700 jobs at its central Queensland mines. 

BMA is the largest private employer in the Bowen Basin with more than 10,000 employees and contractors. The cut represented about 7 per cent of its workforce. 

Employees and contractors at the Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Saraji, Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge, Daunia and Blackwater mines could be affected, and the company said consultation would begin in coming weeks. 

BMA is not the only miner struggling amid a downturn in the coal price. Bandanna Energy announced yesterday it was going into voluntary administration and would not proceed with its central Queensland mine. 

The United Nations has also warned that coal has no future in the world's energy mix. more
Hang on, wasn't getting rid of the carbon tax supposed to drive employment? Looks like the Greens were right all along.

 

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