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Leaders unite to stop coal mine

National

Leaders of faith traditions across Australia have joined together to call for the abandonment of a proposed coal mine in Queensland, citing their concerns over the impact it will have on the environment and the need to care for “our common home”.

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In an open letter presented to the Adani Corporation’s Townsville office, faith representatives said the mine would have an impact on local water sources, the Great Barrier Reef and climate change.

It said that instead of the coal mine there should be “ambitious investment” in renewable energy such as wind and solar.

Signed by more than 50 leaders from the Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities – including several representatives of the Catholic Church – the letter said it was time to move in the direction of a “stable and compassionate future”.

“Our common home, the Earth, is now in great danger due to the effects of our actions as human beings on the climate. On this point the scientific community is united. Today, we too are united as people of faith,” the letter said.

“For thousands of years, our traditions have taught us to care for the Earth. This responsibility is now extremely urgent. And it is those least responsible for this threat that suffer the greatest impacts of a warming climate.

“Protecting our common home and all those who live here is an essential part of each of our faiths. We each ask the faith communities to which we belong to join us in creating this future.”

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