National Party policies betray interests of supporters

The Paris Accord calls on all countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions so that average global warming is limited to an absolute maximum of 2°C and desirably to no more than 1.5°C above preindustrial. Even with an increase of 1.5°C, we face a scenario where a violent, less predictable climate puts primary production in far greater jeopardy than is now being experienced. Yet, it is the view of a growing number of climate scientists if greenhouse gas emissions, we shall be unable to limit warming to 2°C by 2100 - with catastrophic results.

It is against this background that the National Party Leadership and other right wing members of Parliament call for expansion of coal production and its use in Australia. They are, in effect, calling for increased greenhouse gas emissions, knowing the danger this poses for everyone in this country and beyond, particularly primary producers and the rural sector who's best interests they claim to represent.

In effect, they are also calling for higher priced electricity by demanding greater use of coal since technology has now advanced to the point where stored wind and solar generated electricity is cheaper than coal generation. The stored-hydro project being built at Kidston in north Queensland and the Port Augusta stored solar project in South Australia demonstrate this.

Coal mining is a killer of humans engaged in the industry and it is a major source of global warming greenhouse gasses when burnt to create energy. The days of its continued use are numbered and National Party leadership knows this. Instead of calling for its greater use, they should be helping to create new jobs in new industries for the coal-miners who will ultimately have to find alternative employment.