Adani Charmichael is planning to dig one of the biggest coal mines in the world in Queensland’s Galilee Basin. It is claimed that, if it goes ahead, burning coal from the mine would generate billions of tonnes of pollution, fuel global warming and irreversibly damage the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a popular tourist destination, World Heritage site and home to fish, corals, turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks and rays. Many believe that the proposed coal mine will destroy the Great Barrier Reef, labelling it a ‘national tragedy’.
TASK: Conduct research on Adani Carmichael’s proposed coal mining in the Great Barrier Reef, a popular Australian tourist destination and World Heritage site.
Identify the individuals and groups who believe the area should be mined, and the individuals and groups who believe the area should be protected from mining.
Create a table (or other appropriate format) and organise key arguments from each side of the debate according to four categories: environmental, economic, political and social (ACHGS080).
Summarise the points of view in regard to coal mining the Reef based on key arguments in the table (ACHGS077). Connect these to the three major environmental world-views; anthropocentric, bio-centric and eco-centric. Explain how the environmental world-view influences the attitude of each group (ACHGK071).
Consider your own environmental world-view and reaction to the issue. What action do you propose? Draw your own conclusion about the issue based on the different perspectives you have considered and the potential impact of your proposal (ACHGS080). Include a justification for your point of view.