[BRCannounce] Closes World's Largest Coal Port

[jaywoodson]

http://www.greenpeace.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JULY 26, 2005

CONTACT: Greenpeace


Greenpeace Closes World's Largest Coal Port

NEWCASTLE, Australia - July 26 - Greenpeace's flagship, the Rainbow Warrior,
closed down the world's largest coal export port in Newcastle today and called
on Australia to quit coal and tackle climate change by moving to a clean
energy economy.

The Rainbow Warrior dropped anchor in the channel leading to the Kooragang and
Carrington terminals in Newcastle harbour. In addition, teams of activists
occupied a 2.5 million tonne coal stockpile and one of four huge coal loaders.

Greenpeace Australia climate and energy campaigner Ben Pearson said: "We are
here today to expose Australia's dangerous addiction to coal export dollars
and its significant contribution towards global climate change. Newcastle
sends 80 million tonnes of coal to the world each year, and every tonne causes
worse droughts, bushfires, storms and floods. Every hour that we are here, we
stop coal that could emit thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases from leaving."

Australia is a major exporter of pollution and a climate destroyer. It exports
coal to thirty-five countries. In 2002-03, 80 % (165 million tonnes) went to
Asia. The main customers are Japan and South Korea. Taiwan, India, China,
Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines buy Australian coal.

"By continuing to export coal to Asia, Australia is locking developing
countries into a fossil fuel future that perpetuates climate change, ignores
sustainability and denies their independence from imported and expensive fuel.
This behaviour is despicable and must be stopped," said Athena Ronquillo from
Greenpeace International.

Australia has the potential to be a world leader in renewable energy exports,
sharing its vast solar and wind resources to its neighbouring countries in the
region. It could play a more constructive role in addressing poverty and
environmental issues in these already vulnerable economies by supporting their
shift to safe, clean energy sources.

"Coal burns our common future but renewable energy unites us. By embracing
renewable energy, Australia will embrace a future common to Asia as well - a
clean, sustainable future," Ronquillo concluded.

Greenpeace's flagship sailed into Sydney Harbour on July 22nd. She will visit
China, Thailand and Philippines as part of the 'Clean Energy Revolution tour'
to raise the urgency of dangerous climate change and promote the huge
potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Asia Pacific region.