Is it really ‘madness’ to account for emissions from fossil fuels burned overseas? The Coalition sure thinks so |Temperature Check
News Source
•Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:14:43 GMT
📰 What Happened
A High Court ruling said planners in New South Wales must think about emissions from coal burned overseas. The Coalition wants to undo new rules on this. Those rules ask fossil fuel companies to report the pollution created when their products are burned in other countries. Nationals leader Matt Canavan called the court's decision net zero on steroids.
The Coalition says the decision is absurd and could cause many legal fights. Fossil fuel groups agree. The writer argues that ignoring these emissions does not make them disappear.
🔍 The Backstory
The emissions happen when Australian coal or gas is burned abroad. Countries elsewhere feel the harm, so some ask who should count them. The High Court case came from a coalmine approval in NSW. Judges said overseas greenhouse gases can be part of the planning decision.
Research now lets scientists measure the damage from these emissions. The International Court of Justice has also weighed in on climate duties. That makes it harder to say the pollution is not our problem.
🎯 Why It Matters
Climate pollution caused here has effects around the world. This debate is about whether Australia should own its share. It affects future mining approvals and global warming.
A High Court ruling said planners in New South Wales must think about emissions from coal burned overseas. The Coalition wants to undo new rules on this. Those rules ask fossil fuel companies to report the pollution created when their products are burned in other countries. Nationals leader Matt Canavan called the court's decision net zero on steroids.
The Coalition says the decision is absurd and could cause many legal fights. Fossil fuel groups agree. The writer argues that ignoring these emissions does not make them disappear.
The emissions happen when Australian coal or gas is burned abroad. Countries elsewhere feel the harm, so some ask who should count them. The High Court case came from a coalmine approval in NSW. Judges said overseas greenhouse gases can be part of the planning decision.
Research now lets scientists measure the damage from these emissions. The International Court of Justice has also weighed in on climate duties. That makes it harder to say the pollution is not our problem.
Climate pollution caused here has effects around the world. This debate is about whether Australia should own its share. It affects future mining approvals and global warming.