Australia's Coal Industry Responds To Climate Concerns - With Shiny, Expensive PR Campaign - Reuters

[hatrack]

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia's $40 billion coal industry, facing accusations it is a climate change culprit, launched an advertising campaign on Wednesday to win back public support.

The Australian Coal Association said it would run national newspaper advertisements and a website, www.newgencoal.com.au, explaining that the greenhouse intensive industry was working hard to capture and store its carbon emissions. "This is a vital public debate and it is important that the public have access to accurate and scientifically-verified information on climate change and the facts about low emissions technologies," association Executive Director Ralph Hillman said.

Australia is the world's biggest coal exporter and relies on coal for 80 percent of its electricity. The country produces 1.5 percent of global greenhouse emissions and coal accounts for around a third of national greenhouse output.

Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are released when coal is used in electricity generation or industrial processes such as steel making and cement manufacture.

EDIT

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE4AB0DK20081112

[Nihil]

1. Who needs facts, honesty or morality when you have money? (n/t)

:banghead: