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WAITING for the perfect wave, surf-riders at Newcastle seem oblivious to the cargo ships just beyond. A dozen are queuing to load coal from the Hunter Valley, one of Australias biggest coal-mining regions. The black stuff pouring through Newcastles port is one of Australias economic linchpins, making it the worlds biggest coal-exporter. As Kevin Rudd, the prime minister, tries to push through legislation to deal with global warming, coal is also one of his headaches. Opposition to Mr Rudds plans is now so entrenched in parliament that he is contemplating calling an early election.
Australias first coal was mined at Newcastle in 1797, less than a decade after Europeans began to settle. Australians ever since have enjoyed cheap power from this dirty source of carbon-dioxide, the main culprit of global warming. Coal generates about 83% of the countrys electricity, and even more in New South Wales, the most populous state. Mr Rudd wants parliament this month to approve a scheme that would change the way Australians use energy, helping to give the country credibility at the global climate conference in Copenhagen in December.
He has saddled Greg Combet, a minister and former union leader, with the task of talking the coal industry into accepting it. The industry complains the schemes costs will mean countries such as Indonesia will be able to undercut Australia in global coal markets. Mr Combet argues, nonetheless, that Australias role as one of the worlds biggest emitters, thanks largely to its coal-dependence, imposes a responsibility to help persuade developing countries to change their ways, too, and that Australia has to
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