Scientists, environmentalists and the UK government’s climate advisers have strongly criticized the decision to go ahead with a plan. It is to open the country’s first new coal mine in three decadesA year after the country tried to convince the world to wean itself off fossil fuels at climate talks COP26 In Glasgow.
Michael Gove, England’s housing and communities secretary, on Wednesday approved plans to open Whitehaven Colliery in Cumbria, northwest England, which is part of the World Heritage-listed Lake District.
The controversial mine is expected to create more than 500 jobs. But the environmental impact is huge: the mine will generate around 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. greenhouse gases Annually, the UK adds up to pollution equivalent to putting 200,000 cars on the road. reports the Guardian🇧🇷 Much of the coal produced is for export, as most UK steel producers have avoided using coal. Highlighting CNN🇧🇷
The government initially approved the plan, but withdrew it after waves of protests, including a 10-day hunger strike by two teenage activists. The UK has come under intense pressure to reject the plan in 2021, when COP26 talks are held in Glasgow. Alok Sharma, chair of COP26 and a member of the Conservative Party legislature, campaigned against mining.
“Opening a new coal mine would not only be a setback for the UK’s climate action, but would also damage our hard-won international reputation through our COP26 presidency as a leader in the global fight against climate change,” he said. Wednesday announcement.
A year after the conference, the decision comes after lengthy discussions between the UK government, local authorities and the public. According to the International Energy Agency, if the world is to have any chance of reaching net zero by 2050, investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure must cease immediately. must be fixed or they may be completely irreversible.
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