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BHP to exit global coal body over climate change policy
SYDNEY, Dec 19, 2017 (BSS/AFP) – The world’s biggest miner BHP said
Tuesday it would leave the World Coal Association and review its membership
of the US Chamber of Commerce membership to show support for action on
climate change.
The Anglo-Australia giant has been undertaking a review of its industry
group memberships to see if their stances aligned with the firm’s view that
climate change had to be tackled with emissions reductions and the use of
renewable energy.
The 22-page report, released Tuesday, found the organisations as well as
the Minerals Council of Australia held different positions from BHP.
It said it was making a preliminary decision to part ways with the WCA,
which would be reviewed by March next year.
The global lobby group had favoured the dumping of a clean energy target,
which supports investment in renewables in Australia, as it preferred the use
of cleaner coal technologies instead.
In contrast, BHP said it held a policy of tackling climate change through
encouraging both the use of renewable energy and cleaner technologies.
BHP said it also disagreed with the US Chamber of Commerce’s rejection of
the Paris Agreement and a carbon-pricing policy, and would decide on whether
to leave the organisation by March.
“Emissions reductions are necessary to mitigate climate change,” the report
said, outlining BHP’s stance in support of the Paris pact.
“An effective global framework to reduce emissions should use a portfolio
of complementary measures, including a price signal on carbon.”
The Paris deal was sealed under previous US president Barack Obama, but his
successor and climate sceptic Donald Trump pulled out of it in June.
The miner said it would remain in the MCA as the firm was still benefiting
from its membership, but threatened to quit the Australian group if it did
not refrain from lobbying in favour of coal power.
The decision to exit the WCA came as some governments look move away from
coal-fired power, a key driver of global warming and air pollution.
Global demand for the fossil fuel is forecast to remain flat between 2017
and 2022, resulting in a “decade of stagnation for coal consumption”, the
International Energy Agency said Monday.
Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest miner, in September completed the
sale of most of its Australian coal assets to China-backed Yancoal.
Rio’s divestment drive is expected to lead to a complete exit from the coal
sector.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1026 hrs