Our actions enter Day 3. On Tuesday, activists occupied the Abbot Point coal export terminal in Bowen. Yesterday, a further 10 activists locked on to a coal loader at Hay Point Coal Terminal. Four activists remain, 24 hours later. We’re very proud of them and have been in regular contact via phone.
They spent the night locked on to 50-metre high suspension cables at the terminal, which has now been shut down operations for a full 24 hours.
One of the activists said this morning: “What an incredible way to wake up. Moon setting and sun rising.” Of course, no doubt they’re also a little tired and weary.
Greenpeace is taking action to highlight the dramatic expansion of Australia’s export coal capacity at a time when Pacific Island Leaders are meeting with Kevin Rudd in Cairns to call for the deep emissions cuts necessary to safeguard their futures against climate change. It’s crazy.
“The kind of action that Greenpeace is taking is vital,” said Fijian Greenpeace Campaigner Lagi Toribau. “Our communities at home are being displaced and even the existence of some of the lower lying states such as Tuvalu is threatened Time is running out. Kevin Rudd needs to back Pacific leaders not blindly keep expanding coal export at their expense.”
Today is the final day of the Pacific Island Forum in Cairns. Kevin Rudd needs to support the call from Small Island States to reduce emissions by 45%. Will he support our Pacific neighbours or get down and dirty with coal?