A depressing picture of global power generation has coal still firmly on top. And in a vicious cycle, the very heatwaves and winter freezes high carbon emissions cause seem to be increasing them.
In a stunning upset, voters returned the pro-coal government, prompting soul-searching among Australia’s left wing parties.
Island Home features stirring imagery of Australia’s coastline, warning it will be harmed by the climate emergency, and criticises Adani for the Carmichael coalmine and Equinor’s proposal to drill the Great Australian Bight.
The number of plants on which construction has begun each year has fallen by 84% since 2015, and 39% in 2018 alone, while the number of completed plants has dropped by more than half since 2015.
The Greens will propose 2030 as the cut-off point for thermal coal exports, and the shutdown date for Australia’s fleet of coal-fired power stations, in the party’s new climate and energy policy heading into the federal election.
Greenhouse gas emissions from energy production rose strongly again last year, according to new data from the International Energy Agency, with a young fleet of coal-fired power plants in Asia accounting for a large proportion of the increase.
In a statement to Guardian Australia, Taylor confirmed the government was continuing to consider 10 coal projects through its power generation underwriting program, as well as new gas and pumped hydro proposals.
But they will carry a significant sting for Joyce who lost the Nationals leadership and whose marriage broke down last year after having an affair with a staff member.
On Monday, Joyce demanded the Coalition commit to taxpayer support for a new coal-fired power station, dismissing concerns the plan would harm the government by noting the Nationals are “not married” to the Liberal party.
Campaigners have fought the project in various guises since 2005, citing concerns about its impact on health, ecology and tourism in the area. Hema’s owner Hattat Holding has responded to previous setbacks by reapplying for permits under a new subsidiary.
