"Coal is vital for the future energy needs of the world," he said.
The needs of the world are great: New forms of energy, space transportation and infrastructure all need to be tackled with imagination and innovation, he said.
What's particularly remarkable about this recommendation is that it seems disconnected not only from the real needs of the world economy, but from the organization's own economic projections.
That is in contrast to Abbott's statements last year that coal is "good for humanity" because it is "vital for the energy needs of the world".
No, he seems to be arguing that no transition is necessary – on the grounds that coal is "vital" for the future energy needs of the world.
"I am not prepared to talk about the individual grant requirements, but if their positions are distracting to how we are going to meet the energy needs of the world, then we didn't want to fund them," he said.
What workers need is not more legislation to curb trade unions, but a trade union movement that is modern and responsive to the needs of the world where most people work.
But that isn't the point: they believe there is an optimal size for a business that should serve the recurring needs of the world and shift consumption norms by connecting consumer habits with values of fairness and sustainability.
The export of nickel ore, which has been mined since 1875, and of partly refined nickel from a large foundry on the outskirts of Nouméa, is subject to boom-and-bust cycles determined by the needs of the world steel industry and competition from other producers.
Undaunted, he framed the issue by considering the needs of the world's graying baby boomers.
How can you be sure you are addressing the needs of the world's poor?
