Pacific Climate Warriors and the Front Line Action on Coal team
30 Pacific Climate Warriors made their way to the Leard State Forest to stop climate change where it starts. The Warriors stood in solidarity with the campaign to stop the construction of Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Coal Mine and the ongoing operation and expansion of Idemitsu’s Boggabri Coal.
The Climate Warriors witnessed firsthand the mass destruction of Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Project and Idemitsu’s Boggabri Coal mines. Both projects have resulted in the clearing of the Leard State Forest to make way for open cut coal mines.
The Climate Warriors joined community members, supported by the Leard Forest Alliance, including 350.org and Front Line Action on Coal, who have been campaigning against the operation of these mines for over two years. They have journeyed to Australia to stand up to the fossil fuel industry, fighting for the protection of their land, oceans, cultures and way of life.
Climate Warriors from atoll islands in front of Whitehaven Coal’s pits that are destroying their homes
“We have to find ways to keep coal and gas in the ground. People all around the world are recognising this and taking action to challenge the power of the fossil fuel industry. For us Pacific Islanders, there is nothing more urgent or necessary.” said Mikaele Maiava, climate warrior from Tokelau.
Combined the Whitehaven and Idemitsu projects plan to extract over 22 million tonnes of coal, creating a greenhouse gas impact greater than that of 165 individual nations. Those emissions will lead to sea level rises, and more intense storms and floods, which are already hurting Pacific communities.
The thirty Pacific Climate Warriors have planned to peacefully blockade the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle on the 17th of October and will call on Australia to stop its destructive expansion of fossil fuels causing climate change. Take solidarity actions and follow the warriors on 350.org/warriors
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