Big Coal - Australia's Dirtiest Habit

Australia's dirtiest habit is its addiction to coal. But is our dependence on it a road to prosperity or a dead end? Are we hooked for life? And who is profiting from our addiction?
Former lobbyist and political insider Guy Pearse, media and politics commentator David McKnight and environment writer Bob Burton cut through the spin to expose the underbelly of an industry whose power continues to soar while its expansion feeds catastrophic climate change.
They dissect the charm offensive (and muscle) the coal industry uses to get its way, and reveal the myth of 'clean coal' - and the taxpayer-funded PR machine behind it. They chart the stratospheric rise of a new generation of coal barons (some high-profile, others faceless). And they lay bare the desolation in regional communities as prime farming land and much else is strip-mined along with the coal. Most contentiously of all, they explore how Australia can break its dirtiest habit and move towards a prosperous, sustainable-energy future.

About the author

Guy Pearse is a former member of the Liberal Party and was a speechwriter for former environment minister Robert Hill. He has also been an industry lobbyist, consultant and spin doctor. In 2007 he exposed the politics behind Australia's response to climate change on Four Corners and in his book High & Dry.

Product details

• Authors: Bob Burton, David McKnight, Guy Pearse, Guy/ McKnight Pearse
• Publisher: External catalogues_US
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.10.2013
• EAN: 9781742233031
• ISBN: 978-1-74223-303-1
• No. of pages: 272
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Ecology; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature and society: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education