The green light for the largest coalmine in NSW history is shocking proof that our governance systems are betraying Australians | Georgina Woods

The decision to approve Australia's largest coalmine in New South Wales history, the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO), has sparked controversy and concern over the government's response to the climate crisis. The Independent Planning Commission's published reasons for their approval reflect a troubling lack of foresight and concern for the devastating effects of global warming.

The commission acknowledges that extending HVO's operations for an additional 19 years will contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in 809 million tonnes of pollution. This decision is particularly alarming given the findings from the CSIRO, which states that climate change is increasingly affecting the lives and livelihoods of all Australians. The severity of these impacts is directly tied to the speed at which global greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced.

Despite this evidence, the commission rejects the notion that keeping the coal in the ground would have no impact on global warming. This raises serious questions about the government's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and protecting the future of its citizens. As the situation continues to worsen with mounting death, disaster, and despair caused by global heating, it becomes increasingly difficult to see a path forward from such a treacherous betrayal of our governance systems.