On Wednesday a small number of Greenpeace protesters blockaded a coal reclaimer at Port Waratah's Kooragang Island export terminal at Newcastle. Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior also blocked the main channel leading to Kooragang Island and Port Waratah Coal Services’ (PWCS) second export terminal.
PWCS chairperson Eileen Doyle said the Port had continued loading thermal coal despite the attempts.
Australian Coal Association executive director Mark O’Neill lambasted the protest as an anachronistic exercise that showed poor judgement in attempting to deal with the issue of climate change.
“Greenpeace is completely out of step with mainstream environmental thinking, which recognises that the development of new technologies that can substantially cut emissions from coal must be an integral part of the pathway to major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” O’Neill said.
“The coal industry is one of 38 partners currently working in Australia through the COAL21 program to develop low and near-zero emission technologies. It is also engaged in constructive dialogue with other sections of the environment movement on how best to develop and deploy the technologies needed to achieve the eventual goal of deep cuts in emissions.”
O’Neill claimed the Greenpeace action was misleading to an uninformed public, pointing the finger at the oil industry as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Coal accounts for less than a quarter of global emissions,” he said.
“If we stopped (using coal) tomorrow, we’d still have 75% of the problem. Greenpeace’s alternative of mass switching to renewables may be superficially attractive to the uninformed, however there are very major economic and technological barriers to be overcome before renewables will be able to supply more than a modest fraction of the world’s energy needs.”
According to O’Neill, fossil fuels will be a reality for the foreseeable future as the world does not appear to be slowing in its demand for energy. He suggested Greenpeace focus its efforts on promoting clean coal technology, launching a parting salvo condemning their action.
“Last century style environmental stunts launched from diesel-guzzling flagships may be good for boosting membership, but they are no substitute for positive engagement and action to deal with greenhouse gas emissions.”
