“Earlier this week, Prime Minister Turnbull claimed that his support for coal was ‘pragmatic and practical’. He said opposition to the fossil fuels that drive climate change was merely ‘ideological’.
“Mr Turnbull needs to rethink this irrational and frankly absurd position. Scientists have proven the year 2016 was the warmest on record. And it’s no secret why. The mining and burning of coal is driving global warming to record highs - creating extreme weather events like heatwaves, hurricanes and bushfires.
“As the world’s biggest coal exporter, Australia is directly responsible. Instead of flirting with the coal industry, Mr Turnbull needs to implement a ban on new coal mines and start transitioning Australia away from fossil fuels and towards clean, safe renewable energy.”