Press release - October 11, 2007
KOLKATA, India — Greenpeace activists today scaled a 250 ft smokestack spewing carbon dioxide at the Kolaghat coal fired power station to paint the message "SMOKING KILLS". No, Greenpeace hasn't embarked on an anti smoking drive, nor are they talking about air pollution; they are in fact highlighting one of the most imminent threats – Climate Change. Greenpeace is pointing to the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide– coal fired power plants, to remind the government that these plants are a dangerous addiction that will lead India down the path of devastating impacts of climate change.
Greenpeace painted "Smoking Kills" on the smoke stacks of the Kolaghat Thermal Power Station. The high voltage Greenpeace style action was to highlight the effects of coal burning on the climate; to highlight that coal is the dirtiest form of fossil fuel and generating electricity by coal burning is a primary contributor to climate change, and demanding energy efficiency and uptake of renewables as the way ahead.
Coal is the dirtiest of conventional fossil fuels, producing
about a third more CO2 per unit of electricity generated than oil,
and about double that of natural gas. Currently 67% of India's
total electricity is from coal fired power plants, and additional
plants proposed in the 11th and 12th Five year plan will lead to
the doubling of CO 2 emissions from the power sector in India. This
will push India in to the third slot just behind USA and China from
the current fifth position in overall CO2 emissions.
"The addiction to coal fired power plants is a deadly one that
the Indian government needs to get away from immediately. As in any
addiction, we will have to wean ourselves away from the bad habit
in a phased manner, but to continue on a carbonized growth path
will be suicidal not only for the health of the country but for the
entire planet." said Soumyabrata Rahut, Climate Campaigner
Greenpeace India. "If technology evolution already makes available
solid and affordable alternatives, a Revolution still needs to
happen in India's energy policies." "The solution can be found in
energy efficiency measures coupled with increase in the uptake of
renewable energy sources and this is doable", he asserted.
According to the report: 'Energy [R]evolution: A sustainable
Energy Outlook for India', launched in April this year, Renewable
energy, combined with efficiencies from the 'smart use' of energy,
can deliver half of India's primary energy needs by 2050. The
Energy [R]evolution, presents a clear roadmap for a clean energy
future for India without compromising on our economic development
goals.
Commenting on local situations Mr Rahut said "West Bengal is
extremely sensitive to the impacts of climate change. Erratic and
intense monsoon patterns will affect agriculture and sea level rise
will affect millions of residing in the coastal region, and in
Kolkata. With 2/3 of the neighboring country Bangladesh being prone
to flooding due to sea level rise, West Bengal might also face
massive migrations of climate refugees. It's time for an Energy
Revolution and nothing short of it will do."
Greenpeace is campaigning globally against climate change. From
climate negotiations fora to coal-fired power plants in Germany and
UK, to corporations producing wasteful products like incandescent
light bulbs, Greenpeace has constantly taken action against global
warming around the world.
Greenpeace' flagship the Rainbow Warrior is scheduled to arrive
in Kolkata on the 12th of October on its maiden voyage to Kolkata
and the Sunderbans, to highlight the extreme vulnerability of this
ecologically sensitive region and to sea level rise. Greenpeace is
telling governments, including the Indian government that the time
for vacillation is over and the need of the hour is clear time
bound action to prevent climate chaos.
For further information, contact
Ruchira Talukdar – Greenpeace Communications; 0-9900264127; 
Soumyabrata Rahut – Climate and Energy Expert-Greenpeace; 0-9845535403