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.
As the Rainbow Warrior blocked the port, locals cheered from the
wharfand on small boats in support of clean energy, and against
dirty coal.Meanwhile, activists from Greenpeace Australia occupied
a huge coalloader and a massive 2.5 million tonne coal stockpile.
They were laterarrested, along with the Rainbow Warrior's
captain.
Ourcampaigner, Ben Pearson explained why we are blocking the
port:"Newcastle exports 80 million tonnes of coal to the world each
year andevery tonne returns to us as climate change. Every hour
that we stoppedcoal loading we prevented at least 16,000 tonnes of
greenhousepollution from leaving."
"We are exposing Australia'sdangerous addiction to coal export
dollars. To protect our own future,we have to quit coal and take
part in the clean energy revolution."
Climate change in Australia is predicted to cause worse
droughts,bushfires, storms and floods. Australia fuels these
impacts at home andacross the globe by exporting more coal than any
other country.
Because of its huge coal industry Australia is not surprisingly
bestbuddies with the US Bush administration when it comes
todelaying/diluting/destroying international action to tackle
climatechange.
Another way
But there is an better alternative: For every unit of energy
producedby conventional fossil fuels, we could create three to five
more jobsin renewable energy than we have in coal. In Newcastle the
localcommunity has suffered as the coal industry has cut jobs.
"Ithink what Greenpeace did today was good for drawing attention
to theproblem and there needs to be more funding and more attention
onrenewable energy," said local resident Warren Keen.
TheRainbow Warrior is in Australia to spread the message that
there is nofuture in dirty fuels like coal and help coal-dependent
communitiesmake the transition to sustainable industries and
jobs.
Peoplesay that coal is an industry Australia cannot afford to
lose. But,living on the front line of climate change, the truth is
that coal isan industry Australia, and the world, can't afford.
More info
View the
picture gallery and get more on the
Rainbow Warrior action from Greenpeace in
Australia.
Take action on climate change
You might not be able to shut down a coal plant but discover the ways you can help tackle climate change.
Support our actions
We rely on the support of individuals like you to help us fight for a green and peaceful planet.