There were a few raised eyebrows during Tim Flannery's speech yesterday, when the celebrated environmental scientist seemed to inadvertently substitute the word energy with "enemy".
During his 20-minute speech Professor Flannery told the audience of mining professionals about the need for an evolving "enemy mix," before correcting himself to "energy mix".
He later cited a US study which found the coal industry, in so far as it is used for power generation, kills about 21,000 people a year.
"I know having said that I'm likely to have put myself in the bad books of some of those in the room," he said.
"I don't want to do that, but I think the industry would be well served to recognise some of those costs."
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