The announcement by Genesis Energy that it will close its last two coal-burning electricity generators at Huntly Power Station serves to further expose the Key Government’s inability to act on climate change.

The electricity companies conducting a behind-the-scenes fight to keep New Zealand’s last coal-fired power plant at Huntly alive are an “absolute disgrace”, says Greenpeace executive director Russel Norman.

This morning Russel Norman, Greenpeace’s executive director, has demanded that ‘Genesis Energy must close Huntly’s coal-fired generators by 2018.’

Greenpeace have welcomed Fonterra’s pledge to substantially reduce climate emissions from agriculture, but say there is a “gaping hole” in the plan.

In a move that has stunned environmentalists, Genesis Energy has announced a plan to keep burning coal for power generation until 2030.

Activists from across the Pacific, including New Zealand, have shut down the Hay Point Coal Terminal in Queensland, Australia, to pressure leaders John Key and Kevin Rudd to do the right thing on climate change.

Greenpeace is urging Fonterra not to ignore the important discussions about the links between sustainability, climate change, and dairying that will be taking place at this week’s World Dairy Summit.

Greenpeace says it's pleased to have highlighted the contribution New Zealand is making to climate change through a coal shipment action in the Port of Lyttelton today.