Climate protests: The biggest coal port in the world saw over 100 arrests

 Climate protests: The biggest coal port in the world saw over 100 arrests

There were 109 arrests during a two-day blockade of the biggest coal port in the world.

Hundreds of demonstrators occupied the shipping channels of the Australian port of Newcastle by kayaking or swimming in protest of the inaction on climate change.

They assert that the disturbance stopped more than five lakh tons of coal from being exported out of the nation.

Australia is the second-biggest exporter of coal in the world and depends on the fossil fuel to generate its power.

Situated around 170 km (105 mi) away from Sydney, the Port of Newcastle is the nation's primary coal-shipping facility.

An approved 30-hour weekend blockade of Australia's maritime channels drew an estimated 3,000 participants from around the country.

However, when the demonstrations finished, dozens of demonstrators stayed in the water, which resulted in the detention of 109 people—including five minors—who were eventually freed.

A New South Wales Police statement states that 104 individuals were prosecuted on Monday for their refusal to vacate the Harbor Channel.

Declaring, "I'm doing this for my grandchildren and future generations," 97-year-old Alan Stuart disregarded the deadline.

"I am really sorry that they will have to bear the consequences of our inaction," he stated. As a result, I believe it is my responsibility to take action.

The event was dubbed "the largest act of civil disobedience for climate in Australian history" by Rising Tide, the organization that spearheaded it.

Days before the annual COP28 global climate change meeting, which gets underway in Dubai on Thursday, there was a protest.

According to Rising Tide, new fossil fuel projects should be canceled and thermal coal exports should be taxed by Anthony Albanese's administration.

Australia has long been seen as a climate laggard, but upon taking office in 2022, Mr. Albanese pledged to "join the global effort" to reduce emissions.

Since then, the country's earlier goal to reduce emissions by 26-28% has been surpassed by the government's statute, which sets a target of 43% by 2030. This change is the same as removing all emissions from Australia's transportation and agriculture industries combined.

However, the Australia Institute claims that Mr. Albanese has approved four new coal mines since last May, and 25 more projects are under approval. He has declined to completely reject new fossil fuel projects.

One of the last demonstrators to depart Newcastle Shipping Lanes on Sunday was Anjali Beames, a 17-year-old Adelaide teenager. She said she was willing to face arrest because she felt that Australia's "decision makers have consistently ignored the voices of young people."

"I will not be complicit in witnessing my future sold by the fossil fuel industry for their profit," she said.