The Long Goodbye: Coal, Coral and Australia's Climate Deadlock

The Long Goodbye examines Australia's complex relationship with coal mining and climate change through on-the-ground reporting and extensive research. Journalist Anna Krien travels across the country to document the intersections between politics, industry, and environmental concerns. Krien visits communities affected by mining operations and speaks with workers, activists, scientists, and politicians about Australia's energy future. Her investigation takes her from the Great Barrier Reef to mining towns in Queensland, capturing the human stories behind Australia's climate policy decisions. The book integrates climate science data and policy analysis with personal narratives from Australians on various sides of the debate. Krien documents the economic and social pressures that have shaped Australia's response to global warming. Through its focus on one nation's struggle with fossil fuels, the book illustrates broader global tensions between economic interests and environmental imperatives. The narrative raises questions about identity, progress, and the challenges of transitioning away from industries that have shaped national development.

Readers found this book provides clear journalism about Australia's complex relationship with coal mining and climate change. Many reviewers noted Krien's personal interviews and on-the-ground reporting helped humanize the various stakeholders. Likes: - Balanced presentation of different perspectives - Detailed research and fact-checking - Makes complex policy debates accessible - Strong storytelling approach Dislikes: - Some felt it focused too heavily on Queensland - A few readers wanted more discussion of renewable energy alternatives - Critics noted it could have explored international comparisons more deeply Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) "Excellent reporting that puts faces and places to abstract policy debates" - Goodreads reviewer "Comprehensive but still engaging for general readers" - Google Books review The book earned praise for avoiding partisan rhetoric while still conveying urgency about climate action. Several readers highlighted how it captured the economic and social tensions in mining communities.

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🌏 Anna Krien spent time aboard a coal carrier traveling from Newcastle to South Korea to witness firsthand the journey of Australian coal exports to Asia. 🌊 The book's title references both Raymond Chandler's noir novel and the ongoing "goodbye" to the Great Barrier Reef, which has experienced multiple mass bleaching events since 2016. 💼 The work originated as a Quarterly Essay (Issue 66, 2017) before being expanded into a full-length book exploring Australia's complex relationship with coal mining and climate policy. 🏭 Australia mines enough coal each year to fill a train long enough to circle the Earth one and a half times. 🏆 Anna Krien won the 2014 William Hill Sports Book of the Year for her previous work "Night Games," making her the first woman to receive this prestigious award in its 26-year history.