Rising Tide protest: climate activists stop three ships from entering world’s largest coal port in Newcastle | Climate crisis

Activists blocked two more coal ships from entering the Port of Newcastle on the fourth day of Rising Tide protests, bringing the total number of ships turned away by campaigners this weekend to three.

Thousands of people gathered at Rising Tide’s annual climate protest at the world’s largest coal port. The blockade started on Thursday and will continue until Tuesday.

Hundreds of people entered the harbor by canoe, and many more watched from the beach.

Three activists pinned themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship on Sunday as part of Greenpeace Australia Pacific action, the environmental group said.

Greenpeace joined Australian musicians Oli and Louis Leimbach, who had previously performed at the protest as part of the band Lime Cordiale, along with Greenpeace activist and physician Dr. He said he was accompanied by Elen O’Donnell.

Activists chanted “Timeline Now!” They painted their words. on board.

“Today, along with the thousands of people who have joined the Rising Tide blockade, we are taking action to show Australia’s leaders that if the government does not act, the people will,” O’Donnell said.

“Australia is the world’s third largest exporter of fossil fuels and its outsized role in the climate crisis requires serious action. Every shipment of coal leaving this port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods and hurricanes.”

Rising Tide said it blocked a second ship from entering the port on Sunday.

On Saturday, activists stopped a ship from entering the port. Eleven protesters who violated the exclusion zone established by the New South Wales government were arrested and charged by police. The zone, approved by transport secretary John Graham, covers most of the port by Monday morning.

Protesters who violate the area marked by buoys will face sanctions.

Rising Tide said 22 more people were arrested Sunday morning and charged for violating the restricted area. Two teenagers were arrested but not charged.

Rising Tide said some people were accused of entering the marine exclusion zone. If proven, this offense carries a maximum fine of $1,100. The protest group said others were charged under anti-protest laws, which carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief climate and energy officer Joe Rafalowicz criticized the Albanian government for continuing to approve new gas and coal projects.

“The Australian government joined the landmark Belém Declaration at COP30 in Brazil, its strongest declaration yet, recognizing that our international commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C means an end to new fossil fuels,” he said.

“But just a few days later the Albanian government doubled its coal and gas production, which was in complete contradiction with the obligation and responsibility of Australia, one of the world’s largest coal and gas exporters, to address emissions. This is a joke.”

Rising Tide called on the federal government to: cancel all new fossil fuel projects; tax fossil fuel profits at 78% to finance the transition away from these fuels and pay for climate damage; and ending coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.