Australia will only truly become a world leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal by fast-tracking the use of clean, renewable energy, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“No amount of greenwash and full-page glossy advertising can hide the fact that coal is the cause, not the solution to climate change,” executive director Cate Faehrmann said today.
“This is an unwelcome return to the type of spin that tried to tie cigarettes to health benefits.
“The only way to genuinely reduce our greenhouse gas emissions is with an urgent switch to renewable energy by phasing out coal-fired power stations, supported by greater investment in green energy generation and energy efficiency measures.
“Our future wealth lies in developing a new clean energy economy that will create jobs, develop sustainable industries, reduce pollution and improve our energy security.
“Australia risks its future climate safety by supporting coal polluters and backing unproven carbon capture and storage technology that may never deliver the emissions reduction it promises.
“Our political leaders must act now for an immediate transition to authentic clean energy sources that strengthen our economy while reducing our impact on the environment,” Ms Faehrmann said.
