The Coal Truth: The fight to stop Adani, defeat the big polluters and reclaim our democracy

David Ritter

Since 2012, the fight to stop the opening of the vast Galilee coal basin has emerged as an iconic pivot of the Australian climate and environment movement.

The Coal Truth: the fight to stop Adani, defeat the big polluters and reclaim our democracy provides a timely and colourful contribution to one of the most important struggles in our national history - over the future of the coal industry. Written by an environmental insider with an eye on the world his daughters will inherit, The Coal Truth is told with wit and verve, drawing in other specialist voices to bring to life the contours of a contest that the people of Australia can’t afford to lose.

Contributors include Adrian Burragubba, Tara Moss and Berndt Sellheim, Lesley Hughes, John Quiggin, Hilary Bambrick, Ruchira Talukdar and Geoffrey Cousins.

Praise for The Coal Truth:

As this crucial book shows us beyond all doubt, there is no safe, livable future that involves digging up more Australian coal. But with the country’s formidable movements fighting to keep that coal where it is, David Ritter makes an irresistible case that few places are better suited to lead a just and democratic transition to the next economy. Marshalling diverse voices and hard-hitting arguments, he shows us this promising future is well within our grasp. An inspiring must-read! 

NAOMI KLEIN, AUTHOR OF NO IS ENOUGH AND THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

 

The Coal Truth is a powerful collection of voices behind the Australian campaign to 'Stop Adani' in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest environmental and social fights of our time. Here the facts are carefully compiled and vividly told. In impassioned prose Ritter reminds us not only is there so much to lose in the age of climate change, but that so much has already been lost. An important book with an urgent message.

ANNA KRIEN

  

This is an important book because mining and selling coal cannot be part of Australia’s future as a country.

PETER DOHERTY, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER AND FORMER AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

 

The Coal Truth has arrived at the exactly the right time for a country at the cross roads. This intimate, compelling and deeply layered reflection lays out what is at stake for Australians and the planet as a massive expansion of coal mining – starting with the controversial Adani project – threatens to turbo charge climate change. Compulsory reading.

PETER GARRETT, LEAD SINGER OF MIDNIGHT OIL AND FORMER CABINET MINISTER

 

We are smack bang in the middle of a defining moment in history. The Coal Truth shows that we still have the chance to create something wonderful out of the crisis and leave no person behind in the process. Get this book.

DAMON GAMEAU, AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR OF THAT SUGAR FILM AND 2040

 

For those who want to understand what’s at stake in the struggle against Queensland’s massive Adani coal mine, the most vital environmental fight in Australian history ever, The Coal Truth provides a comprehensive and highly readable guide. If it doesn’t awaken conscience and spur political action, nothing will.

ROBERT MANNE, EMERITUS PROFESSOR OF POLITICS AND VICE CHANCELLOR'S FELLOW, LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

 

With this terrific book, David joins the dots for readers, revealing the high stakes of greed vs common sense. A compelling read.

SIGRID THORNTON, ACTOR

 

An ambitious and distinctive approach to environmental campaigning is demonstrated by David Ritter in his new book The Coal Truth. Ritter deploys a technique that is sometimes called “public narrative”. This approach seeks to relate our deepest, most personal values and experiences to the grand cause for which we are campaigning, tying together the story of our own personal lives with that of our political mission in the belief that this helps engage people above and beyond our usual support group. Ritter displays the approach masterfully in the early chapters of his book which talk about the impact of climate change on his own family and community..

MARC STEARS, DIRECTOR, SYDNEY POLICY LAB

Book details

PUBLICATION DATE: June 2018
FORMAT: Paperback
EXTENT: 200 pages
SIZE: 234 (H) x 156 (W) mm
ISBN: 9781742589824
RIGHTS: World rights.
CATEGORY: David Ritter, General Non-fiction, Politics,