Australian Coal: Should It Be Left in the Ground?

Abstract

Many Australians view themselves as living in a "lucky country" because it has an abundance of mineral resources. James Goodman and David Worth, however, maintain that the mining boom has been a "curse" in disguise. It has sharpened socioeconomic and community divisions, contributed to political conflict, and resulted in "ecological mal-development" with serious environmental consequences. This applies to coal in that it not only contributes to air and water pollution, but is also a major source of carbon dioxide emissions and thus a major contributor to climate change.

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