Die britische Klimapolitik ist ein grosser Witz. Vor zwei Wochen beschloss das britische Parlament, bis 2050 die CO2-Emissionen um 80% zu senken. Hinter dem Vorhang jedoch setzt die Regierung offenbar auf eine Wiederbelebung der Kohleindustrie: Britain is poised to expand its coal mining industry, despite fears that the move will lead to a rise in climate change emissions and harm communities and the environment. Freedom of information requests and council records show that in the past 18 months 14 companies have applied to dig nearly 60 million tonnes of coal from 58 new or enlarged opencast mines. At least six coal-fired power stations are planned. If all the applications are approved, the fastest expansion of UK coal mining in 40 years could see southern Scotland and Northumberland become two of the most heavily mined regions in Europe.