Climate Camp 2008: Real Action On Climate Change

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.