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The True Cost of Coal: $717 billion annual damages revealed at UN climate talks
November 28, 2008
“The True Cost of Coal”, by independent Dutch Institute CE Delft, for the first time quantifies the ‘external costs’ of impacts to human health and the environment caused by burning and mining coal. Using case studies from NSW’s Hunter Valley and around the world, the report shows first hand how coal is damaging people’s lives and causing environmental destruction.
“Not only is coal the climate enemy number one but it also causes chaos all the way along the production chain. Around the world, the coal industry is forcing communities to relocate, pumping dangerous levels of toxins and CO2 into the air and polluting scarce water supplies,” said Julien Vincent, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner.
NSW’s Hunter Valley coal industry features alongside tragic stories from around the world: India, where dense forests have been stripped away by mining companies; Indonesia, where fishing catches have been halved due to coal pollution; and Poland, where coal plants send 31 million tonnes of climate changing CO2 into the atmosphere every year. NSW exports 100 million tonnes (Mt) of coal each year and plans have been approved to double exports, which would contribute a further 270 Mt of CO2.
Hunter Valley ex-miner Graham Brown is quoted in the report. He says opening yet more mines is one step too far. “We need a transition mechanism in place, fully funded by the coal companies,” he states. Mr Brown feels so strongly about climate change earlier this year he took part in a peaceful protest at Eraring coal-fired power station.
The True Cost of Coal reveals that coal-fired power stations caused an estimated $708 billion worth of damage in 2007; accidents in the global coal power chain cost $320 million; and mining carries hidden damage costs of $1.342 billion. Over the next ten years, the coal industry will be responsible for damages in excess of $7 trillion – more than six times the cost of bailing out troubled financial institutions in the US and a minute fraction of what is invested in renewable energy.
Greenpeace’s Energy Revolution modelling shows that, with the right policies and industry incentives, energy efficiency and renewable power could totally replace coal-fired electricity by 2030, creating an additional 50,000 jobs and keeping electricity costs stable.
“The more we learn about the cost of coal, the clearer it is that its use is illogical as well as morally wrong, and not just for climate concerns. Australia’s policy-making has been in the clutches of the coal industry for too long. Kevin Rudd has an opportunity at Poland to show Australians he is doing right by them, not the fossil fuel industry. He must commit to reducing greenhouse gases by the top end of the 25-40% range agreed to by developed countries at last year’s Bali climate talks,” Mr Vincent said.
Ten Greenpeace activists who took part in a peaceful protest at Eraring coal-fired power station in July, will appear in Newcastle District court today. 27 activists were arrested but only 10 charged, they are appealing their trespass conviction.
“Not only is coal the climate enemy number one but it also causes chaos all the way along the production chain. Around the world, the coal industry is forcing communities to relocate, pumping dangerous levels of toxins and CO2 into the air and polluting scarce water supplies,” said Julien Vincent, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner.
NSW’s Hunter Valley coal industry features alongside tragic stories from around the world: India, where dense forests have been stripped away by mining companies; Indonesia, where fishing catches have been halved due to coal pollution; and Poland, where coal plants send 31 million tonnes of climate changing CO2 into the atmosphere every year. NSW exports 100 million tonnes (Mt) of coal each year and plans have been approved to double exports, which would contribute a further 270 Mt of CO2.
Hunter Valley ex-miner Graham Brown is quoted in the report. He says opening yet more mines is one step too far. “We need a transition mechanism in place, fully funded by the coal companies,” he states. Mr Brown feels so strongly about climate change earlier this year he took part in a peaceful protest at Eraring coal-fired power station.
The True Cost of Coal reveals that coal-fired power stations caused an estimated $708 billion worth of damage in 2007; accidents in the global coal power chain cost $320 million; and mining carries hidden damage costs of $1.342 billion. Over the next ten years, the coal industry will be responsible for damages in excess of $7 trillion – more than six times the cost of bailing out troubled financial institutions in the US and a minute fraction of what is invested in renewable energy.
Greenpeace’s Energy Revolution modelling shows that, with the right policies and industry incentives, energy efficiency and renewable power could totally replace coal-fired electricity by 2030, creating an additional 50,000 jobs and keeping electricity costs stable.
“The more we learn about the cost of coal, the clearer it is that its use is illogical as well as morally wrong, and not just for climate concerns. Australia’s policy-making has been in the clutches of the coal industry for too long. Kevin Rudd has an opportunity at Poland to show Australians he is doing right by them, not the fossil fuel industry. He must commit to reducing greenhouse gases by the top end of the 25-40% range agreed to by developed countries at last year’s Bali climate talks,” Mr Vincent said.
Ten Greenpeace activists who took part in a peaceful protest at Eraring coal-fired power station in July, will appear in Newcastle District court today. 27 activists were arrested but only 10 charged, they are appealing their trespass conviction.
Related Reports
- The True Cost of Coal
November 28, 2008
For further information or comment
Julien Vincent, climate and energy campaigner 0419 179529; Louise Clifton, media advisor 0438 204041
