The mining industry has enormous impacts on the environment and on local communities. Local and regional effects of coal mining in NSW include conversion of vast swathes of land into desolate wastelands; habitat loss and species extinction; cracked river beds; waterways polluted with salt and sediment; air, noise, and visual pollution resulting in negative health impacts on local communities; exploitative workplace practices; displacement of alternative industries, and more. And because over 90% of NSW's electricity is generated from coal, and Newcastle is the world's biggest coal export port, the global impacts of the NSW mining are far greater still.

Scientists tell us that global greenhouse pollution - and therefore coal consumption - must be reduced radically, starting now. If we fail to do this, then catastrophic climate change impacts such as major sea-level rise, agricultural collapse, massive species extinction and social upheaval will become unavoidable. So while coal exports and cheap electricity may be contributing to our affluent lifestyles, they are endangering our planet and our common future.