The government has recently approved plans to open a new coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria. 

The claim is that this mine will be ‘net zero’ and will supply coal to the steel industry, reducing our coal imports. 

We know that burning fossil fuels contributes to the ever worsening climate crisis, so why, when they claim to be working to reduce emissions are the government approving this project? 

In an article written by the Guardian, the former chief executive of British Steel made it clear there is no demand for a new coal supply in the UK, saying the focus instead needs to be on ‘green investments’.

The market for coal in the steel industry is disappearing as more and more of the industry leaders across Europe adopt ‘green technologies’ rather than use fossil fuels. 

The mine has been condemned by Labour, the Liberal Democrat’s and the Green Party, as well as some Conservative MPs. The Tory MP chair of the environmental audit committee in parliament has reiterated the opinion of the steel industry that this mine is unnecessary and contradicts the government’s commitment to reduce GHG emissions. 

Without a strong domestic market for the coal produced, it is likely most will need to be exported. However there are clear efforts underway by the EU to bring in tariffs on high-carbon products, meaning the economic viability of the project is very questionable. 

As the hosts of last years COP26 event, the UK government made a clear statement against the use of coal, and highlighted the need to transition away from fossil fuels.

This decision sends a clear message to the rest of the world that the UK government is not a world leader in the fight against climate change. 

We owe it to ourselves and future generations to fight against a decision that will have major societal and environmental implications. We need to make it clear that public are against this decision.