New Matilda reports that a landmark case in the Federal Court could place the ‘brake on Australia’s fossil fuel exports’ by invalidating Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s approval of Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine – the largest coal mine Australia has ever seen.
The case, launched by the Environmental Defenders Office Queensland, argues that Minister Hunt has failed to meet his obligations to protect Australia’s World Heritage from damage – specifically, the Great Barrier Reef.
The case also explores the complex issue of ‘state responsibility’ and ‘global emissions accountability.’
Under the current United Nations process, the nation that ‘burns’ fossil fuels is considered ‘responsible’ for them. This has allowed nations such as Australia, who allow companies to export our fossil fuels, to escape culpability and effectively ignore the global environmental impact of these activities.
For example, Greenpeace released figures demonstrating that Australia’s coal exports will give rise to one billion tonnes of carbon during this year alone – this is almost double the nation’s domestic carbon emissions.
The Australian Conservation Foundation is challenging this assumption, arguing that irrespective of where the fuels are burned, they will have devastating consequences on Australia’s environment.
This New Matilda Article explores the range of issues and strategies employed by Minister Hunt to, arguably, evade Australia’s responsibilities as a global fossil fuel exporter. This will undoubtedly impact on the capacity for, and obligations of, global company’s who choose to work in Australia.
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