Tanya Plibersek approves coalmine expansions, sparking climate action backlash

On Tuesday, Tanya Plibersek, the environment minister, approved three coalmine expansions in New South Wales, a decision that has drawn significant criticism from environmental groups. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) highlighted that these projects are expected to produce over 1.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions throughout their operational lifetimes. The approved expansions include Whitehaven Coal's Narrabri mine, which will extend underground mining until 2034, Mach Energy's Mount Pleasant mine until 2048, and Yancoal's Ravensworth mine until 2032. Plibersek defended her decision by stating that the approvals were made in accordance with national environmental laws and that these were not new projects. She emphasized that emissions from these mines would be managed under the government's safeguard mechanism aimed at capping emissions from major polluters. However, critics argue that approving new coal projects contradicts the government's climate commitments and undermines global efforts to combat climate change. Environmental advocates expressed their disappointment, asserting that the decision is inconsistent with Australia’s climate goals and reinforces its status as a leading fossil fuel exporter. The Greens party labeled the approvals a betrayal of voters who supported climate action, noting that the Labor government has sanctioned 26 new coal and gas projects since taking office. The backlash from conservationists and climate activists underscores a growing concern regarding the government's commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation, especially as it prepares to host a global summit on nature conservation next month.