The true answer is likely more complex. Australia is one of the top coal producers in the world, has one of the largest reserves of coal in the world, and coal'

The true answer is likely more complex. Australia is one of the top coal producers in the world, has one of the largest reserves of coal in the world, and coal's share in electricity generation and exports is very high. Ranking high on various quality-of-life indices, Australia's government is wise to protect coal's continued role in the economic system of the country. Sadly, drawing too much attention to the association between climate change, the Great Barrier Reef, and Australia's role in perpetuating climate change in its own (front)yard hurts its economic outlook and energy independence, which are valuable attributes in a world with dwindling resources. It's a shame that this maneuvering has to occur at the expense of the Reef.