Tim Flannery is Right on Coal

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Morris Iemma to meet with Professor Tim Flannery to discuss the future of the coal industry.

“Mr Flannery’s clear warning on the dangers of the coal industry should kick-start the NSW government into planning for a post coal economy,” said Ms Rhiannon.

“The best thing Mr Iemma could do for NSW, the planet and his own electoral chances is to announce an end to coal exports and no new coal projects."

“Voters are looking for leadership and real solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Premier needs to realise that many people understand that phasing out the coal industry is the key to dealing with climate change."

"Premier Morris Iemma has named this the climate change election, but he has admitted that he is not willing to put limits on the coal industry."

“Now is the time for Mr Iemma to move past the coal age. A good place to start would be to talk with Professor Flannery."

“The links between the expansion of the coal industry and global warming are beginning to resonate with the electorate."

“We can have a win for the environment and for jobs by phasing out coal. Generating a unit of energy from wind power creates about four times the number of jobs as coal."

“The Greens are working with a range of community groups to plan for a just transition from the era of coal to a renewable and energy efficient future,” Ms Rhiannon said.