Australia fires: PM rejects ‘reckless’ calls to limit coal industry

Lots of coal in Australia

Evidence that at least one national leader understands that winding down the economy to impress shouty ‘activists’ is not a sensible policy, despite the current emergencies.

Australian PM Scott Morrison says he will not make “reckless” cuts to the nation’s coal industry, despite criticism of his response to climate change and a deadly bushfire crisis.

Australia is being ravaged by bushfires which have killed nine people and razed hundreds of homes since September, reports BBC News.

As the crisis escalated last week, Mr Morrison faced a backlash for deciding to take a family holiday to Hawaii.

On Monday, he reiterated he would not adjust his policies through “panic”.

The nation has steadfastly backed coal-fired power for its economic value, despite the recommendations of a major report on climate change.

The coal industry employs some 38,000 people, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“What we won’t do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy-crunching targets which are being sought,” Mr Morrison told local broadcaster Nine.

Full report here.