The Earth operates as a giant greenhouse, where naturally occurring gases capture solar radiation and contain it within our atmosphere to keep our planet warm enough to promote habitation.  Human activities are adding additional gases into the atmosphere which are contributing to the accelerated global warming effect. It is estimated the coal industry contributes less than 20% of the greenhouse gases produced around the world, and half of this is from power generation.  Emissions are also created through mining, largely from the release of coal seam methane as coal is extracted, and from the fuel used to drive the equipment excavating the coal. The emissions are offset, to a degree, through site rehabilitation tree planting activities and improvements in technologies that can be employed to capture and use coal seam methane. Useful links for sites that have been referenced during our research include: www.csiro.au www.acps.com.au www.environment.gov.au