Morrison responded to criticism that his conservative government has not made adequate actions to combat climate change, including his refusal to downsize the coal industry in the country, which is the largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas, according to AP. The prime minister said Monday that Australia would still meet its emissions targets.
\"I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries,\" Morrison told Australia's Channel Seven, according to AP.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/International/australia-wildfire-01-ap-jt-191223_hpEmbed_16x9_384.jpg\")
Australian Broadcasting Corporation via AP
PHOTO: In this image made from video, fire and smoke rise from a bush fire at Blue Mountains, New South Wales state, Australia, Dec. 22, 2019.
Morrison also dismissed teen climate advocate Greta Thunberg's call for political action in the country, telling reporters in a press conference Monday, \"It’s not for me to make commentaries on what those outside of Australia think that Australia should do. We’ll do in Australia what we think is right for Australia. And that has always been my guiding principle,\" according to The Australian.
Morrison thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday for sending 44 firefighters to Australia.
Without rain in the immediate forecast, the wildfires could continue into January or February, said New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, according to AP.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/International/australia-wildfire-ap-jt-191223_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Dan Himbrechts/AAP Images via AP
PHOTO: NSW Rural Fire Service crew fight the Gospers Mountain Fire as it impacts a property at Bilpin, New South Wales state, Australia, Dec. 21, 2019.
