The Australian government has approved the expansion of a coalmine in Queensland, raising concerns among conservationists about its impact on local habitats and climate change.
The Albanese government has approved the expansion of the Middlemount coalmine in Queensland, a decision that has drawn condemnation from conservationists who warn it will have dire implications for local wildlife and contribute significantly to the climate crisis. The mine, jointly owned by US company Peabody and China-owned Yancoal, will clear approximately 81 hectares of threatened greater glider habitat and 183 hectares of koala habitat to facilitate the extraction of 85 million tonnes of coal over the next 24 years.
Environmental experts estimate that the burning of this coal for overseas steelmaking or electricity generation will generate around 236 million tonnes of CO2 emissions throughout the life of the project, which is nearly equivalent to half of Australia's total annual carbon footprint. This has amplified calls for a reevaluation of Australia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions amidst ongoing discussions about climate change policies during a period where the country is experiencing extreme weather events linked to climate disturbances.
To mitigate some of the environmental impact, the government has mandated the identification of a 1,557 hectare site as an offset area for the clearing undertaken for the coalmine expansion. However, many conservationists argue that such measures are insufficient to protect the endangered species and that the government's welcoming of fossil fuel projects undermines Australia’s climate commitments. As the debate unfolds, it highlights the ongoing conflict between economic development via fossil fuel expansion and environmental conservation efforts.
