Mining the Depths

The saga of the proposed new, deep coal mine at Whitehaven in Cumbria rumbles on (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/12/green-jobs-cumbria-could-far-surpass-posts-coalmine-report). Initially, the UK government decided the coal mine (intended to supply steel making) did not conflict with their plans for reducing 'greenhouse gases'. They suggested it was a local decision. The promised 500 jobs, in an employment blackspot, was very attractive to local politicians. Many conservationists were incensed, pointing out that approving the proposed mine looked bad, when the UK was chairing COP26 (later this year in Glasgow). It's not easy to get other countries, to sign up to reducing emissions. It's especially difficult, when you are clearly ignoring the imperative to cease using the most polluting of the non-renewables! After much negative press, the proposal is (for now, at least) back under consideration. It now does conflict with the government's green agenda. Local politicians, of both major parties, are furious at the 'betrayal'. A day later, a report by Zero Carbon Cumbria, estimates 9000 new jobs could be created in the area. These jobs would involve investment/training in renewable energy as well as carrying out energy efficiency overhauls on 90% of buildings, over the next 15 years. These 'green economy' jobs were always going to be needed, if the UK is to achieve real (as opposed to cosmetic) carbon zero by 2050. These new skills will not just be required in Cumbria!