United Nations chief confronts UK plans for Cumbria coalmine

In response to the news breaking, United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres told a recent PPCA summit:

‘Today, I am calling on all governments, private companies and local authorities to take three steps: First, cancel all global coal projects in the pipeline and end the deadly addiction to coal. Second, end the international financing of coal plants, and third, jump-start a global effort to finally organise a just transition [for coal industry workers], going plant by plant if necessary.’

Guterres also gave the floor to Greenpeace’s UK leader Doug Parr who claimed, ‘Boris Johnson will have damaged the credibility and moral authority needed to demand action from world leaders as host of Cop26,’ if the build goes ahead.

A fitting incitement was made by Tim Farron, environmental spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, who claimed hosting a climate solutions event on the back of such a backward move would ‘smack of utter rank hypocrisy.’ You’ll find no argument from us, Tim.

#COP26 is only months away & @RobertJenrick is enthusiastic about a new #coalmine in Cumbria whilst presiding over a failed home insulation scheme. Hardly ringing endorsement for our hosting credentials.#ClimateAction @LibDems

— Dick Newby (@RichardNewby3) March 2, 2021

Environmental experts have continuously suggested that developing clean technology is crucial in order to achieve climate neutrality and sustain the steelmaking industry. Electrifying blast furnaces and introducing hydrogen is a method currently showing the most promise, but it has yet to be embraced by industry figureheads.

Despite stories of ‘coal shortages’ arising throughout lockdown, coking coal specifically isn’t in short supply.

Off the back of this widespread criticism, the county council is said to be re-considering the planning application as we speak and we’re likely to hear the result in early April.

While the situation is lacking in clarity, one thing remains crystal clear: If plans to erect the new facility regardless of all we’ve discussed here are to go ahead, the fallout would be absolutely huge, and the nation’s leaders will deserve every part of it.