Australia’s thermal coal exports reached a record high in the final quarter of 2024, sparking criticism that both major political parties are ignoring the country’s biggest contribution to the climate crisis during the federal election campaign.
Government figures show Australia exported 57 million tonnes of thermal coal between October and December—the highest quarterly total ever. Over the full year, exports reached 209 million tonnes, the second-largest annual volume, confirming Australia’s position as the world’s second-largest thermal coal exporter behind Indonesia.
Despite the surge in coal exports, the current election debate has largely avoided the climate implications of Australia’s fossil fuel trade. Both Labor and the Coalition have focused on domestic energy policies while staying silent on the environmental impact of coal burned overseas.
Labor’s main new climate initiative is a subsidy for household batteries. The Coalition has not released a detailed emissions reduction plan and has pledged to repeal several of Labor’s climate policies. Neither party has addressed the emissions tied to coal exports.
Critics say this silence is dangerous. Georgina Woods from Lock the Gate Alliance said global warming, driven by fossil fuel combustion, is already damaging Australian communities, businesses, and ecosystems. “It is really alarming that the country’s political leaders don’t seem to understand this threat,” she said. “They seem content to let the coalmining companies have their head.”
Gavan McFadzean from the Australian Conservation Foundation called Australia’s coal exports a “major handbrake” on climate action. He accused Labor and the Coalition of running on a “unity ticket” that downplays the issue, allowing the public to believe there is no urgent problem.
The foundation estimates that last year’s coal exports caused 483 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions—more than the 435 million tonnes released within Australia.
Both major parties argue that global demand for fossil fuels remains strong. They claim cutting Australian exports would not reduce global emissions but instead shift sales to other producers, hurting the local economy without environmental gains.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has previously said the best way for Australia to make a difference is by helping reduce global demand for fossil fuels, which is why Labor wants the country to become a “renewable energy superpower.” A Labor spokesperson responded to the coal export data by highlighting the government’s $8 billion investment in green hydrogen and efforts to build international partnerships for clean energy.
The Coalition did not comment on its coal export stance. Greens leader Adam Bandt criticized both major parties, noting that Labor has approved over 30 new coal and gas projects. He pledged that the Greens would push for stronger action in the next parliament, including using existing laws to halt new fossil fuel developments.
Although the International Energy Agency predicts a 27% drop in global thermal coal trade by 2030 if climate pledges are met, Australian government forecasts suggest only a modest 4% drop in national exports.
Woods warned that continued investment in coal mine expansions risks leaving communities unprepared if the industry collapses suddenly. “We need a managed transition,” she said.
So far, the election’s climate debate has centered on electricity policy. Labor promises 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and supports large-scale solar, wind, and battery projects. The Coalition wants to slow renewable energy rollout, extend coal power use, and eventually build nuclear plants, mostly after 2040. Analysts say this could add 2 billion tonnes of emissions compared to Labor’s approach.
The Coalition also plans to scrap Labor’s 2030 emissions reduction target of 43% below 2005 levels. Neither party has released a 2035 target. Labor has promised to set one by September if re-elected.
Related Topics:
- China’s Coal Imports Fall 6% in March Due to Low Demand, High Stocks
- UK Government Funds Coal Shipment to Support British Steel’s Furnaces
- Indonesia’s Coal Expansion Plan Faces Climate and Cost Challenges