Newcastle, Australia is the center of Australian heavy industry and the world's largest exporter of coal. The exportation of coal supplies the economy with billions of dollars, 80 percent of the country's electricity, and tens of thousands of people with jobs. However, Australian coal burning produces a large amount of carbon dioxide and is a major contribution to climate change. Many people are hesitant to respond when questioned about their opinions on the coal production and climate change. The government has ratified the Kyoto protocol on global warming and plans to revise the way Australia uses energy and cut emissions by 25 percent overall. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme passed throught the House of Representatives, but controversy is expected in the Senate. Although employees are concerned about climate change, they also worry about stating their opinions publicly in concern of job securtity.
This article is related to human geography because of the relationship between the people and their work place and it's importance to their lives and immediate resources they require. This article also addresses relations between the Australian government and the people of Australia, in regards to work, political parties, and government action toward climate change. On the world scale, the article addresses differences in pollution contribution from Australia, China, and the United States and ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
New York Times, "Australian Emissions Trading Plan in Trouble", June 21, 2009.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/science/earth/22iht-climate.html?_r=1&ref=asia
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It's a catch 22. As we discussed in class today, it seems that the economy and the environment are always in opposition. Economic growth is always desired. Hopefully with the new stimulus package we will see more economic growth in way of solar power and more jobs as well. Then its a win-win.
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