Visit an Australian forestry website and you'd be forgiven for thinking that this industry was spearheading efforts to protect the last of our native forests, not cutting them down. Rather than photos of logging operations you'll see untouched landscapes, wilderness walks and accounts of employees' environmental and community involvement.

In 2006, following the lead of the US government, the Australian federal government undertook an almighty push to convince the public that nuclear power is a "clean" energy source and the primary solution for reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. As the Australian Conservation Foundation says, if nuclear is the answer, then the question must be pretty stupid.

With nuclear energy pushed into the background once again, the Government is now turning to (or rather continuing to expand) the coal industry as a solution to climate change under the guise of "clean coal technology".

Coal is a highly polluting energy source. It emits much more carbon per unit of energy than oil, and natural gas. CO2 represents the major portion of greenhouse gases. It is, therefore, one of the leading contributors to climate change. From mine to sky, from extraction to combustion - coal pollutes every step of the way.