Greenpeace activists disrupt coal loading at the world's largest coal port with the message to the world about Australia's contribution to global climate change and to demand that Australia 'quit coal' and move to sustainable renewable energy.
The Rainbow Warrior dropped anchor in the channel leading to
theKooragang and Carrington terminals in Newcastle harbour. In
addition,teams of activists occupied a 2.5 million tonne coal
stockpile and oneof four huge coal loaders.
GreenpeaceAustralia climate and energy campaigner Ben Pearson
said: "We are heretoday to expose Australia's dangerous addiction
to coal export dollarsand its significant contribution towards
global climate change.Newcastle sends 80 million tonnes of coal to
the world each year, andevery tonne causes worse droughts,
bushfires, storms and floods. Everyhour that we are here, we stop
coal that could emit thousands of tonnesof greenhouse gases from
leaving."
Australia is a major exporterof pollution and a climate
destroyer. It exports coal to thirty-fivecountries. In 2002-03, 80
% (165 million tonnes) went to Asia. The maincustomers are Japan
and South Korea. Taiwan, India, China, Malaysia,Thailand and the
Philippines buy Australian coal.
"By continuingto export coal to Asia, Australia is locking
developing countries intoa fossil fuel future that perpetuates
climate change, ignoressustainability and denies their independence
from imported andexpensive fuel. This behaviour is despicable and
must be stopped," saidAthena Ronquillo from Greenpeace
International.
Australia hasthe potential to be a world leader in renewable
energy exports, sharingits vast solar and wind resources to its
neighbouring countries in theregion. It could play a more
constructive role in addressing povertyand environmental issues in
these already vulnerable economies bysupporting their shift to
safe, clean energy sources.
"Coalburns our common future but renewable energy unites us.
Byembracing renewable energy, Australia will embrace a future
common toAsia as well - a clean, sustainable future," Ronquillo
concluded.
Greenpeace'sflagship sailed into Sydney Harbour on July 22nd.
She will visitThailand and Philippines as part of the 'Clean Energy
Revolution tour'to raise the urgency of dangerous climate change
and promote the hugepotential of renewable energy and energy
efficiency in Asia Pacificregion.
Other contacts: Ben Pearson, Greenpeace Australia climate and energy campaigner, + 61 407 008 917Mark Wakeham, Greenpeace Australia climate and energy campaigner on board of the Rainbow Warrior, + 61 409 542 753Athena Ronquillo, Greenpeace International climate campaigner, + 639178131562Cecilia Goin, Greenpeace International media officer, + 31 6 212 96 908
Notes: Greenpeace Australia press briefing: "A way forward for coal communities" available at:http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/coalfactsheet
Exp. contact date: 2005-08-01 00:00:00