Environmental impact of the energy industry to virtually all aspects of present society, especially for transportation and heating for both homes and for commercial activities. Natural gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per joule delivered than either coal or oil., and far fewer pollutants than other fossil fuels. However, in absolute terms it does contribute substantially to global carbon emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow. According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, in 2004 natural gas produced about 5,300 Mt/yr of CO emissions, while coal and oil produced 10,600 and 10,200 respectively (Figure 4.4); but by 2030,
Coal in Australia of production was exported (389 Mt out of 503 Mt total). Coal mining in Australia has been criticized by members of the environmental movement, due to carbon dioxide emissions during combustion. This criticism is primarily directed at thermal coal, for its connection to coal-fired power stations as a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, and the link to climate change and the effects of global warming on Australia. The burning of coal for electricity produces 29% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions, based on 2013-2014 Clean Energy Regulator data. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, which followed the draft report in