UN report turns focus back onto NSW coal industry

Dr Kaye said: "This report changes the way we should view the climate debate.

"Any doubt about the need to plan for a low emissions future has now been completely removed.

"Coal mining and burning in Australia accounts for about 40% of this nation's emissions. In addition the burning of Australia's exported coal in other countries contributes more global warming than everything we do in this country.

"NSW is in the hot seat.

"The Iemma government is facing a plan to build another coal fired power station and a raft of new coal mining proposals that would increase exports.

"If the Labor government approves these plans, NSW will have turned its back on the evidence presented in the IPCC report.

"It will have undermined efforts to bring emissions down in other countries and it will have denied this state the opportunity to create  tens of thousands of jobs in renewable energy.

"If responding to climate change is to be more than just window dressing for the Iemma government, they must act now to stop the expansion of the coal industry and the building of new coal-fired power stations.

"If creating a strong economic future for this state is a priority for the Labor government, then they must start now on a developing a renewable energy manufacturing industry," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455