Adani and the War Over Coal

by Quentin Beresford

Coal is the political, economic and cultural totem for debates about climate change. This searing book takes apart the pivotal role of the Adani Carmichael mine in the conflict over coal. We see the rise of a fossil fuel power network linking mining companies, mining oligarchs, the big four banks, right-wing think tanks, lobby groups, the conservative media and all sides of Australian politics. On the other side, we have one of the biggest social movements ever seen in Australia in the form of #StopAdani uniting to try to save the Great Barrier Reef, native title rights, and to fight the corrupt politics of coal. Looking into the social, environmental and economic elements of this big fight, as well as the background of Gautam Adani himself, this book tells the full story of one of the lightning rod issues of our time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics

416 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Disclaimer: You will need to have an interest in the matters of Australian politics and the environment in order to enjoy this book. No prior knowledge is required but the book does delve into quite a lot of detailed analysis, so one needs to be motivated in order to get through it.

The book contextualises the coal industry’s place within Australia and also India. It comes as news to almost nobody that large fossil-fuel corporations bully their way into getting what they want, treat the environment and environmental regulations with contempt and have blatant disregard for anything but their own bottom line. This is no revelation, however this book reveals the level to which the coal industry, mining lobby and conservative politics is intertwined, which is quite astounding.

There are also quite a few misconceptions busted, popular rhetoric such as the mining industry being the ‘backbone of the economy’ and a huge ‘job creator’ are mostly just propaganda. A particularly interesting stat showed that when surveyed Australians estimated on average that the mining industry was responsible for 30% of Australia’s GDP and somewhere around 13-15% of our employment. The reality is that it is responsible for 8% and 1.9% respectively. This is probably the best example of how effective their propaganda has been and how pouring hundreds of millions into PR and political donations gives you favour in the court of public opinion.

However there has been a turning point and the environmental movement has organised itself to take on this monster, which has gained traction and is a reason to be optimistic. This book inspired me to actively become involved in the #stopadani movement, I’d recommend it to anyone with an interest in the above areas.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, like The Rise and Fall of Gunns Ltd. In-depth and well-written look at corruption and undue influence in the Australian political system, and the ability of environmental groups to successfullly fight against it.

[Lewis Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vitally important in understanding the machinations of both conservatives and the rich, Beresford paints a fantastic summary of the controversies and struggles against the Adani coal mine. Combined with Marian Wilkinson's 'The Carbon Club', this book should be crucial reading for anyone wanting to combat climate change.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

#StopAdani