Instead 35 representatives of fossil fuel and mining companies attended the meeting.
Earlier this week protesters assembled a 10 metre high inflatable coal-fired power stack outside Parliament House in Darwin. The inflatable helped to remind the
APEC energy ministers how addicted to
coal Australia is and how far behind the country is in benefiting from a global boom in renewable energy investment.
“A clean energy revolution has already started and APEC needs to get on board. Solar power grew globally by 60 per cent last year and wind energy by 30 per cent.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO Steve Shallhorn
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO
Steve Shallhorn says that a clean energy revolution has already started and APEC needs to get on board.”
Solar power grew globally by 60% last year and wind energy by 30%.” Shallhorn said.
Greenpeace International renewable energy expert Sven Teske is visiting Australia and went to Darwin to promote
The energy [r]evolution – a report that shows how the we can cut global CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, while allowing for an increase in energy consumption, through energy efficiency and renewable energy - and without nuclear power.
The timing of this report is crucial. Within the coming years, decisions will be made to replace the generating capacity of the existing old power infrastructure. Developing countries such as China, India and Brazil are rapidly constructing their energy infrastructure to service their economic growth.
The ministers would not be unaware of the paradox of Australia’s addiction to coal-fired energy and its population suffering under the worst drought for 100 years. Despite the ensuing water crisis and spiralling electricity prices, there was very little mention at the APEC meeting of the most glaring natural energy resources Australia is also blessed with – sun and wind.
However, the irony of pursuing a coal based energy future while struggling to cope with what will be just the tip of the iceberg as regards climate impacts, seems to be lost on Australia’s politicians in both camps.
In NSW the state government is intent on pushing through a massive expansion of the Hunter Valley coal industry and Greenpeace has been working with local industries and communities to stop the controversial
Anvil Hill mine from going ahead.
This Sunday 3 June, hundreds of people from all over NSW are expected to join together in a
peaceful protest near the Anvil Hill site. At 1pm the crowd will form a huge human banner reading “Save Anvil Hill” to send a clear message to NSW state Premier Morris Iemma that enough is enough. Coal causes climate change and we need an immediate moratorium on new coal projects, starting with Anvil Hill.
Take action
Join the peaceful protest
Email Mr Iemma asking for a moratorium on all new coal mines and to reject the Anvil Hill proposal.