Exclusive: Coalition modelling shows 2030 target will hit coal sector hardest

Yet-to-be-released forecasts show large decline in sector that Tony Abbott has said is 'good for humanity' owing to new greenhouse gas targets taking effect

Coal will be hit hardest by the Abbott government's new greenhouse gas targets and global climate action - with a 14% cut in the value of coal production in 2030 due to the new Australian target and an 8% cut due to the policies of other countries.

The forecasts for the sector that Tony Abbott has insisted is "good for humanity" and has "a big future as well as a big past" are contained in yet-to-be-released modelling provided to the government as it made the decision to promise that Australia would reduce emissions by between 26% and 28% of 2005 levels by 2030.