In day two of escalating coal actions on the Queensland coast, Greenpeace has shut down another coal port at Hay Point near Mackay. We are here in simpatico with many Pacific Island Nations who are now feeling the devastating impacts of climate change, and who are tired of hearing the empty rhetoric of large countries like New Zealand and Australia who are failing to cut their emissions.
10 climbers including activists from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Australia have occupied the port and interrupted operations. We’re here in solidarity with our Pacific neighbours, who’re crying out for John Key and Kevin Rudd to commit to bold cuts in greenhouse gas emissions at Copenhagen in December.
Greenpeace has integrated the action at Hay Point with digital action on the home page of 2 online newspapers – The Australian and The Courier Mail. The action shows activists painting the slogan “Toodle-oo Tuvalu? Your call Kev” across the home page. This is the first time Greenpeace Australia Pacific has launched an integrated campaign of this nature and it’s an ideal way of getting our campaign message across to as many people as possible.
It’s time New Zealand and Australia’s leaders actually listened to our neighbours on the urgency of climate change. If they want to retain credibility in the Pacific, they need to listen to its people and reflect their concerns.
Check out the live updates of the action as it unfolds.
