Coal burned in power stations to generate electricity is responsible for almost a third of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. Australia is also the world's largest coal exporter and, if the emissions from that coal is included, Australia's total greenhouse emissions would double.

If we are to reduce greenhouse emissions enough to prevent runaway climate change, our only sensible option is to plan for a future without coal.

One of the reasons why neither Liberals nor Labor are willing to accept that there will be life after coal is that those with a vested interest in coal's survival have very strong influence over both parties.

The big mining corporations, such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, and many of their executives are regular donors to both of the big, old parties. This gives them access to policy makers at the highest levels - access that those promoting alternative energy sources can only dream about.

The power of industry lobbyists has been exposed many times, but still continues. For one example, have a look at the ABC Four Corners program called the Greenhouse Mafia.