Australia approves controversial coal project as climate warnings mountAFP, SYDNEYAustralia yesterday approved a controversial coal mine extension, doubling down on a commitment to continue extracting fossil fuels, despite growing pressure to cut carbon emissions. However, while the federal judge ruled that the government must take into account the damage the project would do to the group’s health, wealth and well-being, he rejected their calls for an injunction to stop the project outright. “The minister has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid causing personal injury to the children when deciding ... to approve or not approve the extension project,” Justice Mordy Bromberg found. Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of coal and natural gas, but has also suffered under increasingly extreme climate-fueled droughts, floods and bushfires in recent years. A study published in the journal Nature last week found that 89 percent of global coal reserves — and 95 percent of Australia’s share — must be left untouched to address the climate crisis.

Source: Taipei Times September 16, 2021 15:56 UTC