Blogs

An independent media centre was established for Climate Camp Australia 2008 (July 10 - 14) at the Octapod, a not for profit independent arts and new media organisation based in the heart of Newcastle. Around 20 video makers, photographers and bloggers used this space to create their own media coverage of the Climate Camp workshops, discussions and actions to build a community-based movement for real action on climate change. We were able to present our own stories as a counter-measure to the often simplistic and conflict-based accounts presented in the mainstream media. Climate Camp has been a rich and diverse exploration of positive action on climate change, and ways to build alliances by the many different communities who are stepping up their efforts to convince governments to take real action, and to take it now, before it is too late. The major focus of the camp was on coal exports, as Newcastle is the world's largest coal port, and therefore one of Australia's major contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

You can check out some amazing Climate Camp photos here and there are some great videos

being uploaded to Engage Media so be sure to keep checking in for new videos.Keep it in the ground: photo supplied by Damian

Climate Action: photo by AlanAround 1,200 people today took direct action to stop the disastrous environmental impact of the world's biggest coal port in Newcastle. The spirited and colourful protest was made up of a diverse mix of people including families, coal workers and activists ... even some zombies were spotted. A number of people made it on to the rail line and coal transport in Newcastle was shut down for the entire day. This is a victory for everyone disappointed by the government's inaction in the face of the biggest environmental crisis we have ever seen – instead of phasing out coal, the NSW Government last year gave coal companies permission to more than double their exports from Newcastle to 211 million tonnes per year. Coal exports are Australia's biggest contribution to climate change and the greenhouse pollution from our coal exports exceeds all of our domestic pollution combined.

But the real props go to the NSW police force who assisted protestors by patrolling the rail corridor in an attempt to keep them out, which in effect helped prevent any trains from running.

Check out the short video below which shows some peaceful direct action to block Newcastle's coal trains.

The human sign that climate campers made yesterday was really successful -- despite a couple of major hiccups. Many thanks go to Derek from Clean Energy for Eternity (Bega) for the ambitious plan and for leading us all through it. For those who didn't see the news, we spelled out "Cut Carbon Now or Never" around a huge ticking clock at five minutes to midnight. When the clock reached midnight, the sign exploded, leaving only the word "Never" ... It is now 5:50am on the morning of the big action day, and I am a little nervous... stay tuned for updates throughout the day.

human sign prep

spelling it out: getting ready to make the human sign

human sign "explosion": Activism is not all sombre and serious

The second day of Climate Camp pulled together activists, coal workers, trade unionists and community members for a day of workshops and discussion. As one panel member put it, one of the biggest obstacles to achieving real action on climate change is despair. And the best way to deal with despair is to “demonstrate inspiration”. A Just Transition Panel

Which brings us to today’s session on “A Just Transition”, from fossil fuel economies to a renewable energy future. In other words, how do we phase out the coal industry without destroying the communities that rely on it? Geoff Evans from Greenpeace spoke about the incredible ecological value of the Hunter region. Not only is Newcastle the world’s biggest coal port but 50 per cent of the coal extracted from the Hunter region goes towards powering aluminium smelters that produce large amounts of pollution.

Sharing and learningAfter a day of howling winds and upbeat spirits, day one of climate camp is drawing to a close, with a film night and our first spokescouncil.

The day began with an invitation to country by local Pambalong traditional owners Peta and Arthur Ridgeway.

Welcome gathering

We heard from people working with and in coal affected communities, including Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon.

After a while, we got the hang of the registration process, and finally got the Chai Tent up.

Tomorrow everything will flow much more smoothly, with the wind scheduled to die down this evening.

It's 6am on Thursday 10th July. In five hours time, climate camp will officially "begin" but set up has been going on for the last 48 hours and already climate camp has made the front page of the Newcastle Herald, and the evening local news. This blog is going to be used by various climate camp participants to record this story, which might end up being a pivotal point in this nation's history... the moment at which the balance is tipped in favour of positive, effective and decisive action to move away from coal and spiralling greenhouse pollution, and towards a renewable and sustainble future.