Climate activists and experts from developing nations involved in international climate negotiations have said that the opening of a new coalmine by the UK would be “hypocritical,” “send the wrong message,” and “make a mockery” of climate action.
The UK government is anticipated to make a decision as soon as Wednesday (today) over the construction of a new coal mine in Cumbria.
Despite expert advice that the majority of the mine’s coal would be for export and would increase greenhouse gas emissions rather than replace coal from other places, many Tory lawmakers are in favour of the mine, which would generate coking coal for steel production.
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According to Yamide Dagnet, director for climate justice at the Open Society Foundations, the proposed coal mine is deeply concerning given the UK’s strong stance on ambition in emissions cuts and criticism of backsliding by others.
Also, a former climate adviser in Bill Clinton’s White House, Paul Bledsoe said “Cumbria is known around the world as home to the magnificent Lake District where romantic poets like Wordsworth began modern environmental awareness.”
Bledsoe added that “Reintroducing coal mining at this moment of climate crisis makes no sense. It can only cause other nations to question Britain’s climate commitment.”
Lorraine Chiponda of the Africa Climate Movement also said: “Investing in new coal projects is a mockery to African communities that have suffered at the frontlines of climate disasters in Africa. This is not the time to be turning back on commitments and progress made towards phasing out coal. We urge the UK to act responsibly and shut down coal.”
Many other activists and experts around the world also flayed the proposed coalmine, noting that granting a new coal mining permit is not just hypocritical but sends the wrong message to the entire world and especially the developing countries.
Story was adapted from The Guardian.
