This post is just in from Leah Wickham, one of our Pacific representatives in Poznan.
It’s day three of the UNFCCC COP 14, and while world leaders continue their discussions in Poznan to decide on measures to reduce global emissions, less than two hours away, in Konin, plans are in place to expand an enormous coal mine. Out of all fossil fuels, coal burning contributes the most to climate change.
I joined a trip to Konin today to witness the destruction caused by the coal mine and the massive coal-fired power station nearby. At the power station, in the freezing cold, our activists have locked on to the plant, blocking a chimney and calling on the “powers that be” to bring an end to this crime and save our climate.
Our Climate Rescue Station nearby is run on 100% renewable energy, showcasing that it is possible to switch to clean energy that doesn’t harm our fragile planet.
The mine at Konin is vast, and could very easily accomodate about 10 of our small Pacific islands in its mass. If authorities here don’t step in and stop this, I fear that our fight to keep global temperature increases in check will be all the more difficult. Hopefully, our leaders at this meeting realise how important their position is and that they need to commit to reductions now for the benefit of the entire world.
>> Video: Protesters occupy Konin’s coal-fired power station
>> Act now: Upload your photo to thousands from around the world who are watching leaders in Poznan
