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Upholding Climate in the Land Down Under
This week, it’s all things Australia. There’s promising news for ocean conservation and the Great Barrier Reef, offering hope for more aggressive climate initiatives down the road.
— Written by Shayna Berglas
Australia Blocks Proposed Coal Mine Near Great Barrier Reef
Photo by Yanguang Lan on Unsplash
The Honorable Tanya Plibersek, the Minister for the Environment in Australia, has taken decisive action to protect the country's natural treasures. In a landmark decision, Minister Plibersek has utilized her authority under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to halt the proposed Central Queensland Coal Project, a massive open-pit coal mine just ten kilometers from the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. This marks the first time in Australia's history that a minister has invoked their powers to block a coal mine — a momentous event that has generated hope and excitement among environmental advocates.
The Central Queensland Coal Project would have been a significant contributor to the extraction of coal, yielding up to 10 million metric tons of the fossil fuel each year for a minimum of two decades. However, the potential damage to the delicate ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the wider impact of coal production on the environment, made this project unacceptable to Minister Plibersek and her colleagues in the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry is now reviewing a further 18 projects related to coal and gas extraction, and the decision regarding the Central Queensland Coal Project serves as a clear signal of their commitment to preserving the country's biodiversity and ecological integrity.
The rejection of the Central Queensland Coal Project has been met with jubilation by environmental organizations and individuals alike, who see this as a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future. Minister Plibersek's unwavering commitment to protecting Australia's natural heritage serves as an inspiration to us all and reinforces the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
For Context…
In the early 21st century, climate change emerged as a pressing concern for the people of Australia. The country has experienced the impacts of a changing climate in the form of rising temperatures, more frequent and intense bushfires, prolonged droughts, increased flooding, and longer fire seasons. Over the past century, average annual temperatures in Australia have increased by over 1.4°C, and the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades.
These changes are not limited to just the natural world, however, as they also have far-reaching implications for the economy and public health The effects of climate change are particularly pronounced for Indigenous Australians, who are already faced with socio-economic disadvantages tied to colonial and post-colonial injustices.
Australia has taken a leadership role in addressing climate change globally to address these challenges, playing a key role in several international initiatives, such as the Asia Pacific Rain Forest Partnership, the International Coral Reef Initiative, and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The government has also made significant contributions to reducing GHG emissions in developing countries, including providing $1 billion in funding through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Green Climate Fund.
But the issue of climate change is unfortunately nuanced by nature (pun intended).
Despite strides made by the Australian government, it has faced significant criticism for its handling of issues related to climate change and indigenous groups. One key area of criticism is the government's reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, as a major source of energy. These fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major driver of climate change. And the effects are seen largely by indigenous communities, who are often the most vulnerable to these impacts.
But there are also tradeoffs to be considered when addressing the climate crisis in Australia. For example, many indigenous communities rely on industries such as farming, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Moving away from these industries too quickly could have negative impacts on the livelihoods of these communities. Balancing the need to address climate change with the need to support local communities and economies is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration and planning.
The effects of climate change on Australia are a reminder of the importance of addressing this global challenge. There’s more work to do, but the country's commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change, both domestically and internationally, is commendable and serves as an example for other nations to follow.
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