Over 500 academics urge Australia to ban new coal and gas projects

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 18:38 · Archive

More than 500 Australian academics have written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for a ban on new coal and gas project approvals.

More than 500 Australian academics have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for the country to end new coal and gas project approvals. The signatories, from universities and research institutes in every state and territory, argue that Australia cannot 'credibly lead on climate abroad' or protect regional security while continuing to expand coal and gas extraction.

The letter, signed on Tuesday, was issued days before Australia takes a leading role at COP31 climate talks in Antalya, Turkey. Among the signatories are Climate Change Authority board member Lesley Hughes, Climate Analytics founder Bill Hare, and veteran climate scientist David Karoly. The 503 academics cite the United Nations' finding that more than 1.5C of global warming has become unavoidable, and research showing Australia ranks among OECD nations with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita.

The signatories call for a binding timetable to phase out coal, gas and oil, a ban on new and expanded fossil fuel projects including the Hunter Valley mine extensions and Beetaloo developments, and international agreement on deadlines to transition away from fossil fuels. 'We argue that Australia cannot credibly lead on climate abroad nor ensure national nor regional security while it expands coal and gas at home,' the letter states. Prime Minister Albanese is expected to attend COP31, where Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will serve as president of negotiations.

How it is being reported

• Australia cannot 'credibly lead' COP31 without reformMore than 500 academics have signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for Australia to end new coal and gas project approvals.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 18:02
• Australia cannot 'credibly lead' COP31 without reformMore than 500 academics have signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for Australia to end new coal and gas project approvals.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 18:02

In this story: Australia · Anthony Albanese · Chris Bowen · Lesley Hughes · Bill Hare · David Karoly · Hunter Valley · Beetaloo

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log