Late last week, the Queensland Government amended Environmental Authorities for four mines on the Isaac River (a tributary of the Fitzroy River), owned by the BHP-Mitsubishi Alliance. The amendments make it legally easier for BHP to pollute creeks that flow into the Isaac. Local communities may now not be aware of mining companies dumping heavily polluted water in their creeks until it is too late.
 
“The Queensland Government is effectively giving BHP Billiton a licence to pollute”, said Georgina Woods, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner. “But that’s not the worst of it. In addition to the changes already made for these four mines, the Government is rushing new legislation through parliament to create a new mechanism to secretively lift pollution controls overnight for coal mines in Queensland rivers.”
 
“Giving coal companies’ permission to pollute waterways that provide water for stock, irrigation and human consumption is irresponsible,” continued Woods. “Failing to even provide a notification to local communities for when this pollution will occur is just contemptuous. “
 
“What will happen if these new laws go through? By loosening pollution restrictions, the Newman Government is saying to Rockhampton and all the communities downstream from coal: get used to the taste of mine water”, concluded Woods.
 
New photographs of the extent of floodwater in the four mines for which pollution regulations have been relaxed are now available.
 
Direct Link for images

http://www.greenpeacemedia.org/main.php?g2_itemId=14327

username: photos
Password: green
 
For further comment contact
 
Georgina Woods: 0437 405 932
Julie Macken: 0400 925 217

The Assessment looks at the environmental impact of three proposed new coal terminals at Abbot Point, just north of the Whitsunday Islands within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

But the study, prepared by the project proponents, completely fails to include an estimate of the greenhouse gas contribution of these major new coal terminals, and the impact of dumped dredge spoil on a Whitsunday Island protected as a National Park.

Climate Campaigner Georgina Woods said, “The new coal terminals proposed for Abbot Point may increase the volume of coal exported from this site to over 200 million tonnes per annum – that’s over two-thirds of what we are currently exporting per year. “

“In the last month, frightening new research has revealed the world is heading towards global warming of four degrees Celsius, and coal is Australia’s - and the world’s - biggest contribution to this disaster.”

“For a study of the impact of three new coal export terminals to omit this globally significant impact is astounding and reveals the extent to which the coal industry is still evading its responsibility for climate change.” continued Woods.

In addition, Greenpeace says the study failed to assess how dumping up to 3 million cubic metres of dredge spoil approximately 10km from Holbourne Island National Park might affect the island’s environment. 

“Holbourne Island is a significant nesting site for Green and Flatback turtles,” said Woods. “Its fringing reefs and secluded beaches make it a popular weekend destination for local residents and recreational fishermen. Queensland families don’t deserve to have their picnic grounds used as a dumping ground and ship car park for the coal industry.”

“We need the Federal government to respect the request from UNESCO and stop the industrialisation of the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late,” concluded Woods.

Further comment contact:

Greenpeace Campaigner, Georgina Woods: 0437 405 932

Greenpeace Media Officer, Julie Macken: 0400 925 217

This is another major victory for our oceans following the banning of the super trawler earlier this year.
 
“This year has shown that Australia is an ocean-loving nation and we’re prepared to fight for its protection. It was people power that stopped the super trawler fishing Australian waters, and it was consumer pressure that got John West to stop its destructive fishing,” said Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle.
 
“In six weeks 20,000 Australians demanded John West respect fisheries science and change their tuna,” said Pelle. “This is a win for consumers and a win for the oceans. It shows that when Australians take action together, we can bring about real change.”
 
 Greenpeace launched a nation-wide campaign in late October targeting John West’s use of destructive Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) with purse seine nets. This fishing method needlessly kills hundreds of thousands of tonnes of juvenile tunas, sharks, rays, and critically endangered sea turtles every year.
 
In a statement released earlier today, John West committed to a complete ban on the use of FADs to fish for its tuna by 2015.  John West has also committed not to source tuna from the Pacific Commons that Pacific Island Nations want protected from fishing.
 
John West joins major Australian brands Greenseas, Safcol and Sirena in their commitment to responsible fishing methods.  Greenpeace’s global tuna campaign has seen all brands and retailers in the UK, and Safeway in the US rule out the use of FADs. Coles and Woolworths are now the only two major companies on the Australian market not to have committed to sustainable fishing.
 
The announcement comes just as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meets in the Philippines to discuss extensive FAD bans and other measures to protect the world’s largest tuna fishery.
 
The new John West fishing policy: http://johnwest.com.au/john-west-confirms-its-commitment-to-sustainable-tuna
Slideshow of the ‘Reject John West’ campaign: http://bit.ly/QZuL77
Find out how other canned tuna brands stack up on sustainability: http://www.changeyourtuna.org
 
For interviews or more info, contact: Greenpeace Media Advisor Elsa Evers, 0438 204 041, elsa.evers@greenpeace.org

“If sharks celebrated Christmas, this is the present they’d be asking Santa for,” said Greenpeace oceans campaigner Nathaniel Pelle.

Coles will follow the lead of John West, which last week announced a phase-out destructive fishing methods by 2015 in response to a six week targeted consumer campaign.

According to their statement, “by 2015, Coles will end the sourcing of tuna from unsustainable methods such as the use of FADs in purse seine tuna fisheries and only sell tuna caught using environmentally responsible methods such as pole & line and free school, and unassociated purse seine fishing.”

 “The majority of Australian canned tuna companies, including John West, Greenseas, Sirena, Safcol and Coles, have all now committed to responsible fishing methods,” said Pelle. “That leaves Woolworths as the only big brand still hooked on destructive fishing. Smaller brands Aldi and IGA are also yet to budge.”

The shift in the Australian tuna market comes a week after foreign fishing nations failed to protect the world’s largest tuna fishery at the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting in Manila.

“Politics once again failed our oceans at the Pacific tuna commission, with greedy fishing powers such as Taiwan, the EU and China refusing to reduce their plunder of Pacific resources. Meanwhile, consumers are leading the charge and making real change in the ocean by voting with their wallet,” said Pelle.

Greenpeace is campaigning for a complete ban on FADs and the creation of marine reserves in international waters to protect Pacific tuna. 

Link to the new Coles tuna fishing policy:https://www.coles.com.au/About-Coles/Environment/Seafood-Sustainability.aspx

Greenpeace Canned Tuna Guide:http://www.greenpeace.org.au/tuna

For more information, contact:

Greenpeace Media Advisor Elsa Evers, 0438 204 041

For images, go to:

www.greenpeacemedia.org

Username: photos

Password: green

The Kulluk ran aground late on December 31st off the island of Sitkalidak after repeatedly breaking its towing lines in heavy seas and storm-force winds. Media reports suggest that Shell was rushing the rig out of Alaska to avoid a US$6m local property tax which would have been imposed on January 1st.

Reacting to the news, Greenpeace USA Deputy Campaigns Director Dan Howells said:

“Shell’s US$4.5bn Arctic gamble is looking like a serious mistake, and should act as a warning to other companies looking to drill in this incredibly hostile environment.”

“Oil companies cannot operate safely in the pristine Arctic, where both the risks and the impacts of any industrial accident are too great to bear.”

Greenpeace has sent several rapid response teams to Alaska to monitor the situation.

Shell officials have revealed that the Kulluk suffered serious damage. Emergency and regular generators have been damaged, while sea water has seeped into the rig itself after waves pounded the ageing drill rig.

The Kulluk ran aground near the Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge, where any spill would have terrible impacts on local wildlife. The area is home to at least two endangered species, as well as harbor seals, salmon and sea lions.

Over two million people, including tens of thousands of Australians, have already joined the Greenpeace campaign to protect the Arctic from destructive industry.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

There are approximately 143,000 gallons of diesel and 12,000 gallons of hydraulic oil on board the Kulluk, an aging drill rig built in 1983. Weighing almost 28,000 tonnes, the rig had been due for scrapping before Shell bought it in 2005 and the company has since spent $292 million to upgrade the vessel.

The Kulluk incident is the latest in a series of blunders that Shell has committed in relation to its Arctic drilling program:

• In July: Shell admits that it can’t meet US government air pollution targets for its Arctic drilling fleet, and asks for an exemption. (more).

• Also in July, Shell’s other drilling vessel Noble Discoverer slips anchor and runs aground in Dutch Harbor, Alaska (more).

• In August: the Arctic Challenger, a barge built by Shell to contain oil spilled during any accidents in the Arctic, is cited by Federal authorities for four illegal discharges of hydraulic fluid during preparation work for the summer drilling season. More here.

• In November the Noble Discoverer engine catches fire in the port of Dutch Harbour, Alaska - more here.

• In early December FOIAs reveal that Shell’s sub-sea capping stack was “crushed like a beer can” during testing - more here.

For interviews, images or more information, contact:

Greenpeace Media Advisor Elsa Evers 0438 204 041

Travis Nichols, GPUS media officer travis.nichols@greenpeace.org / +1 (206) 802-8498

Images are available here.

Signatories include Dr Carmen Lawrence, Professor Robert Manne, climate scientists Professor David Karoly and Professor Matthew England and numerous non-governmental organisations.

The Climate Commission issued a report over the weekend that confirmed: “Climate change has contributed to making the current extreme heat conditions and bushfires worse."

Citing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Bureau of Meteorology, the CSIRO and the Prime Minister, the signatories underscore the relationship between extreme weather and climate change and argue Australia faces a choice to either, ‘cease expansion of coal exports or wilfully threaten our children’s future.’

“As the Prime Minister reminded everyone last week, ‘…we do know that over time as a result of climate change we are going to see more extreme weather events’. We agree,” said Dr. Georgina Woods, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner.

Currently, coal exports are Australia‘s biggest contribution to climate change. The proposed development of vast new mines means this contribution could double in the next decade – the critical decade in which coal use and greenhouse emissions must be dramatically reduced.

 “As the next wave of heat pulses across the continent, our thoughts are with all those families and communities fighting to protect the people and places we love. But we are doing neither them, nor future generations, any service by continuing to ignore the contribution our coal exports make to climate change.”

 “The latest heatwave is yet another wake-up call. It’s time we got serious about protecting our beautiful country and stop the expansion of export coal,” concluded Dr. Woods.

The full page ad can be found http://bit.ly/lets_talk_about_coal

The ad was paid for and organised by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

For further comment contact:

Greenpeace campaigner Georgina Woods: 0437 405 932

Greenpeace media officer Julie Macken: 0400 925 217

The 14 carbon intensive projects highlighted in ‘Point of No Return’ from Greenpeace International range from massive coal expansion in Australia, China, the US and Indonesia, to oil expansion in the tar sands of Canada, the Arctic and Brazil, to new gas production in the Caspian Sea and the US. 

Groundbreaking analysis by consultancy Ecofys for the report shows by 2020 these 14 projects will increase carbon dioxide (CO₂)emissions by six gigatonnes a year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says despite years of government promises to reduce emissions, CO₂ emissions are already at a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes.

The Ecofys modeling found that the yearly CO₂ emissions from these projects will be higher than the total US emissions and will lock in catastrophic global warming.

“The same Australian Government warning us that recent deadly heat waves are a sign of things to come is also presiding over a globally significant expansion of coal exports, the resource which is driving climate change,” said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. “We are willfully sabotaging our own future.”

In a one-page advert in Australia’s national media on 14 January, eminent scientists and academics joined the call to end Australia’s coal export expansion, in order to ‘prevent global warming running out-of-control and destroying lives and livelihoods here and abroad.’

Even the World Economic Forum, in its Global Risks 2013 report for this year’s gathering in Davos, warns that we are on course for the global temperature to increase by 3.6 to 4⁰ C, possibly by 6 degrees. These increases will be well above the promise of governments to keep global warming to below a 2⁰ increase.

“Given the human suffering, destruction and economic turmoil of recent extreme weather events, a world with runaway climate change is a frightening prospect. We cannot let that be our legacy,” said Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, who is meeting key business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. 

The report features an Ecofys pathway showing a 75% chance of avoiding climate chaos if emissions peak soon and then drop by 5% a year and emissions from the 14 projects are cancelled. Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution shows that renewable energy and energy savings can deliver the energy our economies need.

“We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic climate change,” said Naidoo. “The companies promoting and the governments allowing these massive climate threats must replace them with renewable energy right away and become part of the solution to climate chaos.”  

For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021

NOTES

Point of No Return report: http://bit.ly/point_of_no_return

Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution:  www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution

Full page ad calling for an end to coal exports

Greenpeace has escalated its campaign against Korea's leading canned tuna brand for its unsustainable fishing policies. Just last week, Greenpeace protested at Dongwon's headquarters in Seoul.

Dongwon, which has more than a 50 percent market share of canned tuna in South Korea, also owns the biggest purse seine fishing fleet in the country – with 16 purse seine vessels in total.

MV Granada is part of Dongwon's Pacific fleet, which uses fish aggregating devices (FADs), a fishing method that causes high levels of bycatch of sharks, rays, turtles, whales and juvenile tuna. 

More than half of the company's tuna catch is destined for western markets, including the US. The company’s fishing targets include yellowfin and bigeye tuna, two species that are designated as near threatened and vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Because of this, Dongwon is listed at the bottom of Greenpeace's canned tuna ranking in Korea (1).

"Dongwon can choose to lead the Korean fishing industry in sustainable fishing, or will continue to be Korea’s number one tuna destroyer. The Korean public deserves to know that their most famous tuna brand is emptying the Pacific of tuna and needlessly killing other ocean life," said Yuen Ping Chow, Greenpeace East Asia Senior Oceans Campaigner.

Five out of eight tuna species are already in trouble due to overfishing and the widespread catching of juvenile tuna, which does not allow stocks to recover. Despite declining tuna populations, the number of vessels fishing for tuna is still increasing.

Korea currently ranks second globally in terms of distant water tuna catch (2). The South Korean government has been accused of undermining global efforts aimed at protecting the oceans in order to prop up its fishing industry.

The government has also earmarked funds for the tuna industry to build new fishing vessels, ignoring scientific advice calling for a global reduction in fishing fleets.

"The Korean fishing industry must support conservation efforts if they want to continue harvesting profits from commercial fisheries. Companies like Dongwon should support government policies to better manage our oceans and reduce fishing capacities. Instead, it is just fishing itself toward extinction," Yuen Ping added.

The Greenpeace ship MV Esperanza, is currently on its Ocean Defenders Tour in South Korea to raise awareness about the negative impacts of overfishing on our oceans.

Greenpeace is campaigning for better fishery management to end overfishing and to create a global network of marine reserves covering 40% of the world’s oceans, both necessary steps to help restore our oceans to health and to maintain living oceans with ample fish for future generations.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Yuen Ping Chow, Greenpeace East Asia Senior Oceans Campaigner, +82 (0)10 8693 1986
Arthur Dionio, Greenpeace International Communications, +66814451398
Steve Smith, Greenpeace International communications, +31643787359
James Lorenz, Communications Manager, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, +61 400 376 021

NOTES

1)  Greenpeace canned tuna ranking in Korea http://www.greenpeace.org/korea/news/publications/2012/1/hidden-secret-of-canned-tuna/
2) "Riding A Wave of Fishlation - Tong Yang Research, Tong Yang Securities Inc.
March 2011".

“The protection of the Great Barrier Reef will be a key election issue: the potential “in danger” listing will come just three months before the Federal poll. The actions of the Federal Government ahead of that deadline may determine whether the Reef is listed as “in danger” and that will be a terrible legacy for this Government so close to a federal election,” said Greenpeace climate campaigner Georgina Woods.

Demonstrations against new coal terminals being built in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are already planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mackay, Yeppoon and Townsville.

In June 2012, UNESCO requested the Australian Government “not permit development that would impact on the outstanding universal value” of the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the recommendation, Environment Minister Tony Burke went on to approve a 60 million tonne coal terminal at Abbot Point on the Great Barrier Reef coast in October 2012. Australia’s report back to UNESCO will form the basis of the World Heritage Committee’s consideration, in June, about whether to list the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage site “in danger”.

“The next 24 hours will show whether the Australian Government has any respect for the World Heritage area.”

“Even leaving aside the climate impacts of the increased coal exports, the dredging and dumping for this and other coal terminals alone will irreversibly affect the Reef. Coal port plans are causing major concern for local fishermen and tourism businesses that depend on the Reef,” said Georgina Woods.
“Greenpeace is calling on the Environment Minister to revoke his approval of the T3 coal terminal at Abbot Point, and stop all further coal terminals being built on the Great Barrier Reef, to give it its best chance of surviving,” said Woods.

“Only then will Australians be convinced the Australian Government is serious about saving the Reef for years to come.”

For more information, contact:

Greenpeace Media Advisor, Elsa Evers: 0438 204 041

Environment Minister Tony Burke fell short of community hopes today when he admitted on Radio National Breakfast that the Australian Government approved a coal terminal in a place where his own Department claims that: “The vast extent of the reef and island systems produces an unparalleled aerial vista.”[1]

“The Australian Government has defied most of UNESCO recommendations, and there’s no commitment that he won’t approve more coal terminals or dredging that threatens dugongs, turtles, fish and other marine life,” said Greenpeace Climate Change campaigner Georgina Woods.

“Tony Burke has already approved a new coal terminal and allowed various new developments into the approval process. The Reef needs action, not promises. Until Tony Burke says "no" to all of the coal terminals proposed for the Great Barrier Reef coast, his assurances are meaningless.”

Demonstrations opposing new coal terminals in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are planned at ministerial offices around the country today.

“If the Government will not take action to protect the Reef, the Australian community must.”
“We have stopped plans to drill for oil on the Great Barrier Reef in the past.  Now we must escalate the pressure and again say no. We must make it clear as a nation that some things are not for sale at any price,” said Woods.

For more information, contact:

Greenpeace Media Advisor, Elsa Evers: 0438 204 041

The 14 carbon intensive projects highlighted in ‘Point of No Return’ from Greenpeace International range from massive coal expansion in Australia, China, the US and Indonesia, to oil expansion in the tar sands of Canada, the Arctic and Brazil, to new gas production in the Caspian Sea and the US. 

Groundbreaking analysis by consultancy Ecofys for the report shows by 2020 these 14 projects will increase carbon dioxide (CO₂)emissions by six gigatonnes a year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says despite years of government promises to reduce emissions, CO₂ emissions are already at a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes.

The Ecofys modeling found that the yearly CO₂ emissions from these projects will be higher than the total US emissions and will lock in catastrophic global warming.

“The same Australian Government warning us that recent deadly heat waves are a sign of things to come is also presiding over a globally significant expansion of coal exports, the resource which is driving climate change,” said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. “We are willfully sabotaging our own future.”

In a one-page advert in Australia’s national media on 14 January, eminent scientists and academics joined the call to end Australia’s coal export expansion, in order to ‘prevent global warming running out-of-control and destroying lives and livelihoods here and abroad.’

Even the World Economic Forum, in its Global Risks 2013 report for this year’s gathering in Davos, warns that we are on course for the global temperature to increase by 3.6 to 4⁰ C, possibly by 6 degrees. These increases will be well above the promise of governments to keep global warming to below a 2⁰ increase.

“Given the human suffering, destruction and economic turmoil of recent extreme weather events, a world with runaway climate change is a frightening prospect. We cannot let that be our legacy,” said Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, who is meeting key business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. 

The report features an Ecofys pathway showing a 75% chance of avoiding climate chaos if emissions peak soon and then drop by 5% a year and emissions from the 14 projects are cancelled. Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution shows that renewable energy and energy savings can deliver the energy our economies need.

“We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic climate change,” said Naidoo. “The companies promoting and the governments allowing these massive climate threats must replace them with renewable energy right away and become part of the solution to climate chaos.”  

For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021

NOTES

Point of No Return report: http://bit.ly/point_of_no_return

Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution:  www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution

Full page ad calling for an end to coal exports

“This is alarming new evidence that decisive action is needed to save the Great Barrier Reef,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods.

The study released today by the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS) reports that coral cover on the reef has halved to just 14% over the last 27 years. The rate of loss has increased recently and AIMS predict that as little as 10-5% of the reef may be covered in a decade time. The study shows that the Reef’s ill-health is caused by three factors: tropical cyclones and coral bleaching, which will worsen as ocean temperatures warm, and outbreaks of crown of thorn starfish, fed by water pollution.   

“The Reef is in peril, but Australia has yet to respond to a World Heritage Committee decision requesting we not approve any more development that will impact on its Outstanding Universal Value,” said Ms Woods. “If Australia really wants to get tough on coral bleaching, we have to do more to cut climate pollution by cutting our coal exports.”

In June, the World Heritage Committee asked the government to report back early next year on what is being done to protect the international icon, requesting that damaging coastal development not be permitted.

There are currently proposals for up to nine new coal export terminals to be built along the Great Barrier Reef coast, and adding more coal to the world market and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

 “It is easy for politicians to stand up and declare their love for the Reef. It’s much harder to match that sentiment with tough action that will really make a difference to the Reef’s future.

“So far, Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke has talked eloquently about his concern for the Reef, but his actions haven’t matched his words,” said Woods. “He has approved a new coal mine and railway that will impact the World Heritage Area, and may very soon approve the first of several large new coal ports for the Reef coast. “

“We will judge the contribution of current Australian Governments to protecting the Great Barrier Reef on their willingness to take decisive action to avert very clear and present threats to its future.”

For further comment contact: Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods 0437 405 932

The 14 carbon intensive projects highlighted in ‘Point of No Return’ from Greenpeace International range from massive coal expansion in Australia, China, the US and Indonesia, to oil expansion in the tar sands of Canada, the Arctic and Brazil, to new gas production in the Caspian Sea and the US. 

Groundbreaking analysis by consultancy Ecofys for the report shows by 2020 these 14 projects will increase carbon dioxide (CO₂)emissions by six gigatonnes a year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says despite years of government promises to reduce emissions, CO₂ emissions are already at a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes.

The Ecofys modeling found that the yearly CO₂ emissions from these projects will be higher than the total US emissions and will lock in catastrophic global warming.

“The same Australian Government warning us that recent deadly heat waves are a sign of things to come is also presiding over a globally significant expansion of coal exports, the resource which is driving climate change,” said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. “We are willfully sabotaging our own future.”

In a one-page advert in Australia’s national media on 14 January, eminent scientists and academics joined the call to end Australia’s coal export expansion, in order to ‘prevent global warming running out-of-control and destroying lives and livelihoods here and abroad.’

Even the World Economic Forum, in its Global Risks 2013 report for this year’s gathering in Davos, warns that we are on course for the global temperature to increase by 3.6 to 4⁰ C, possibly by 6 degrees. These increases will be well above the promise of governments to keep global warming to below a 2⁰ increase.

“Given the human suffering, destruction and economic turmoil of recent extreme weather events, a world with runaway climate change is a frightening prospect. We cannot let that be our legacy,” said Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, who is meeting key business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. 

The report features an Ecofys pathway showing a 75% chance of avoiding climate chaos if emissions peak soon and then drop by 5% a year and emissions from the 14 projects are cancelled. Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution shows that renewable energy and energy savings can deliver the energy our economies need.

“We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic climate change,” said Naidoo. “The companies promoting and the governments allowing these massive climate threats must replace them with renewable energy right away and become part of the solution to climate chaos.”  

For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021

NOTES

Point of No Return report: http://bit.ly/point_of_no_return

Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution:  www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution

Full page ad calling for an end to coal exports

“This is alarming new evidence that decisive action is needed to save the Great Barrier Reef,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods.

The study released today by the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS) reports that coral cover on the reef has halved to just 14% over the last 27 years. The rate of loss has increased recently and AIMS predict that as little as 10-5% of the reef may be covered in a decade time. The study shows that the Reef’s ill-health is caused by three factors: tropical cyclones and coral bleaching, which will worsen as ocean temperatures warm, and outbreaks of crown of thorn starfish, fed by water pollution.   

“The Reef is in peril, but Australia has yet to respond to a World Heritage Committee decision requesting we not approve any more development that will impact on its Outstanding Universal Value,” said Ms Woods. “If Australia really wants to get tough on coral bleaching, we have to do more to cut climate pollution by cutting our coal exports.”

In June, the World Heritage Committee asked the government to report back early next year on what is being done to protect the international icon, requesting that damaging coastal development not be permitted.

There are currently proposals for up to nine new coal export terminals to be built along the Great Barrier Reef coast, and adding more coal to the world market and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

 “It is easy for politicians to stand up and declare their love for the Reef. It’s much harder to match that sentiment with tough action that will really make a difference to the Reef’s future.

“So far, Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke has talked eloquently about his concern for the Reef, but his actions haven’t matched his words,” said Woods. “He has approved a new coal mine and railway that will impact the World Heritage Area, and may very soon approve the first of several large new coal ports for the Reef coast. “

“We will judge the contribution of current Australian Governments to protecting the Great Barrier Reef on their willingness to take decisive action to avert very clear and present threats to its future.”

For further comment contact: Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods 0437 405 932

The 14 carbon intensive projects highlighted in ‘Point of No Return’ from Greenpeace International range from massive coal expansion in Australia, China, the US and Indonesia, to oil expansion in the tar sands of Canada, the Arctic and Brazil, to new gas production in the Caspian Sea and the US. 

Groundbreaking analysis by consultancy Ecofys for the report shows by 2020 these 14 projects will increase carbon dioxide (CO₂)emissions by six gigatonnes a year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says despite years of government promises to reduce emissions, CO₂ emissions are already at a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes.

The Ecofys modeling found that the yearly CO₂ emissions from these projects will be higher than the total US emissions and will lock in catastrophic global warming.

“The same Australian Government warning us that recent deadly heat waves are a sign of things to come is also presiding over a globally significant expansion of coal exports, the resource which is driving climate change,” said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. “We are willfully sabotaging our own future.”

In a one-page advert in Australia’s national media on 14 January, eminent scientists and academics joined the call to end Australia’s coal export expansion, in order to ‘prevent global warming running out-of-control and destroying lives and livelihoods here and abroad.’

Even the World Economic Forum, in its Global Risks 2013 report for this year’s gathering in Davos, warns that we are on course for the global temperature to increase by 3.6 to 4⁰ C, possibly by 6 degrees. These increases will be well above the promise of governments to keep global warming to below a 2⁰ increase.

“Given the human suffering, destruction and economic turmoil of recent extreme weather events, a world with runaway climate change is a frightening prospect. We cannot let that be our legacy,” said Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, who is meeting key business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. 

The report features an Ecofys pathway showing a 75% chance of avoiding climate chaos if emissions peak soon and then drop by 5% a year and emissions from the 14 projects are cancelled. Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution shows that renewable energy and energy savings can deliver the energy our economies need.

“We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic climate change,” said Naidoo. “The companies promoting and the governments allowing these massive climate threats must replace them with renewable energy right away and become part of the solution to climate chaos.”  

For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021

NOTES

Point of No Return report: http://bit.ly/point_of_no_return

Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution:  www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution

Full page ad calling for an end to coal exports

“This is alarming new evidence that decisive action is needed to save the Great Barrier Reef,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods.

The study released today by the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS) reports that coral cover on the reef has halved to just 14% over the last 27 years. The rate of loss has increased recently and AIMS predict that as little as 10-5% of the reef may be covered in a decade time. The study shows that the Reef’s ill-health is caused by three factors: tropical cyclones and coral bleaching, which will worsen as ocean temperatures warm, and outbreaks of crown of thorn starfish, fed by water pollution.   

“The Reef is in peril, but Australia has yet to respond to a World Heritage Committee decision requesting we not approve any more development that will impact on its Outstanding Universal Value,” said Ms Woods. “If Australia really wants to get tough on coral bleaching, we have to do more to cut climate pollution by cutting our coal exports.”

In June, the World Heritage Committee asked the government to report back early next year on what is being done to protect the international icon, requesting that damaging coastal development not be permitted.

There are currently proposals for up to nine new coal export terminals to be built along the Great Barrier Reef coast, and adding more coal to the world market and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

 “It is easy for politicians to stand up and declare their love for the Reef. It’s much harder to match that sentiment with tough action that will really make a difference to the Reef’s future.

“So far, Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke has talked eloquently about his concern for the Reef, but his actions haven’t matched his words,” said Woods. “He has approved a new coal mine and railway that will impact the World Heritage Area, and may very soon approve the first of several large new coal ports for the Reef coast. “

“We will judge the contribution of current Australian Governments to protecting the Great Barrier Reef on their willingness to take decisive action to avert very clear and present threats to its future.”

For further comment contact: Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Georgina Woods 0437 405 932

"Allowing shale oil is just the latest step in the Newman Government's sorry record of fast tracking dirty energy projects up and down the Reef coast, and the Federal Government is doing nothing to stop it," said Greenpeace's Queensland Campaigner Louise Matthiesson.

"We are stepping up our campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef from coal port expansions and climate change by bringing the Rainbow Warrior to Queensland."

"Shale oil mining was halted in Queensland for very good reasons - shale oil is a highly polluting form of energy, and the industry has an appalling record of environmental and health problems" said Matthiesson.

The 60m long eco-vessel was purpose built for Greenpeace two years ago, and it carries the name of the original Rainbow Warrior which was sunk by French agents in New Zealand in 1985.

The schedule for the ship's tour is still being finalised, but it will visit several towns along the coast holding open days and putting the international spotlight on proposed coal port developments near Bowen, Mackay, Yeppoon and Gladstone.

Photos of the Rainbow Warrior are available for media use.

Username: photos
Password: green

For comment contact: Louise Matthiesson 0406 041 428.

The 14 carbon intensive projects highlighted in ‘Point of No Return’ from Greenpeace International range from massive coal expansion in Australia, China, the US and Indonesia, to oil expansion in the tar sands of Canada, the Arctic and Brazil, to new gas production in the Caspian Sea and the US. 

Groundbreaking analysis by consultancy Ecofys for the report shows by 2020 these 14 projects will increase carbon dioxide (CO₂)emissions by six gigatonnes a year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says despite years of government promises to reduce emissions, CO₂ emissions are already at a record high of 31.6 gigatonnes.

The Ecofys modeling found that the yearly CO₂ emissions from these projects will be higher than the total US emissions and will lock in catastrophic global warming.

“The same Australian Government warning us that recent deadly heat waves are a sign of things to come is also presiding over a globally significant expansion of coal exports, the resource which is driving climate change,” said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. “We are willfully sabotaging our own future.”

In a one-page advert in Australia’s national media on 14 January, eminent scientists and academics joined the call to end Australia’s coal export expansion, in order to ‘prevent global warming running out-of-control and destroying lives and livelihoods here and abroad.’

Even the World Economic Forum, in its Global Risks 2013 report for this year’s gathering in Davos, warns that we are on course for the global temperature to increase by 3.6 to 4⁰ C, possibly by 6 degrees. These increases will be well above the promise of governments to keep global warming to below a 2⁰ increase.

“Given the human suffering, destruction and economic turmoil of recent extreme weather events, a world with runaway climate change is a frightening prospect. We cannot let that be our legacy,” said Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, who is meeting key business and government leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. 

The report features an Ecofys pathway showing a 75% chance of avoiding climate chaos if emissions peak soon and then drop by 5% a year and emissions from the 14 projects are cancelled. Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution shows that renewable energy and energy savings can deliver the energy our economies need.

“We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic climate change,” said Naidoo. “The companies promoting and the governments allowing these massive climate threats must replace them with renewable energy right away and become part of the solution to climate chaos.”  

For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021

NOTES

Point of No Return report: http://bit.ly/point_of_no_return

Greenpeace Energy [R]evolution:  www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution

Full page ad calling for an end to coal exports

Sydney, Monday 18th February 2013: This morning at Coca Cola Amatil’s Sydney head office, Greenpeace activists suspended a giant image of an albatross that had starved to death because its stomach was full of plastic waste, bearing the legend ‘brought to you by Coca Cola.’ 



The action comes on the eve of the beverage giant taking the Northern Territory Government to the Federal Court in Sydney to try to force them to shut down a proven and effective 'cash for containers' recycling scheme that is supported by 80% of Australians. [1] 



“For Coca Cola to take a government to court over a great new recycling system that is overwhelmingly supported by Australians shows extraordinary corporate arrogance,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Reece Turner. “Each year Australians consume around 14 billion drink containers[2] and less than half of these are recycled[3]. This means more than 7 billion cans and bottles go into landfill and much ends up polluting our parks, beaches and oceans.”



Clean Up Australia estimates that 45% of the rubbish collected every Clean Up Australia Day is beverage industry-related.  The impact of unnecessary waste is particularly devastating for Australian marine birds. It has been estimated that up to 85%[4] are affected by plastic, either becoming entangled, or mistaking it for food. Many of the birds die as a result, literally starving on a full stomach.



“For years Coca Cola has being lobbying and bullying governments[5] who have considered adopting South Australia’s successful recycling scheme. But this court action is a new low. It’s time for State and Federal politicians to say ‘no’ to Coke’s bully-boy tactics and side with the community and the environment,” said Turner.



Cash for containers - also known as a container deposit scheme - is a simple solution. In South Australia and the NT, a 10 cent deposit gives people an incentive for returning containers for recycling. As easy as purchasing the drink, a 10 cent refund is included in the purchase price and returned when the container is brought back for recycling. There’s no extra cost for the consumer or the bottler and a national scheme would lead to thousands of new jobs in the recycling sector.



In South Australia, 81% of bottles are recycled, around twice the rate of other states. The recycling industry supports 11,000 jobs in that State. According to Clean Up Australia, the community service sector would earn around $70 million a year to re-invest into local communities if the scheme was adopted nationally. 

“It’s time for Coke to can it and clean up after themselves,” said Turner.


For more information: James Lorenz, Greenpeace Communications Manager, 0400 376 021
 

[1] A Newspoll survey from July 2012 revealed that 80% of respondents were in favour of a national recycling refund system along the lines of South Australia.

[2] Calculated from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Standing Council on Environment and Water (SCEW), www.scew.gov.au/strategic-priorities/packaging-impacts.html, pg 3.

[3] The national recycling rate for beverage containers is 47%, Hyder Consulting, Australian beverage packaging consumption, recovery and recycling quantification study, September 2008

[4] See comment from Dr Jennifer Lavers at  http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2012/07/09/3540635.htm

[5] Background Briefing has interviewed West Australian MPs who allege the beverage industry, led by Coca Cola, lobbied against a system in WA. See: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/money-for-empties/3588236#transcript

“Today, we stand with the Northern Territory Government and the 80% of Australians who want a national recycling refund scheme.[1] To Australian Premiers and Environment Ministers, we say join with us and reject Coke’s bullying”, said David Ritter, Greenpeace’s Chief Executive Officer.
 
Since it started last year the Northern Territory scheme has reportedly seen 35 million containers recycled and recycling rates have already doubled.[2]
 
“The world’s oceans are awash with plastic which is having a devastating effect on wildlife. According to scientists from the CSIRO, a quarter of this pollution comes from the beverage industry led by Coca Cola”, said Tim Silverwood, co-founder of Take 3.[3]
 
“40% of the rubbish removed by volunteers on Clean Up Australia Day is bottles and cans, but in South Australia, where there is a refund system, they are just 10%”[4], said Ian Kiernan AO, founder of Clean Up Australia Day and former Australian of the year.
 
“Our volunteers are sick of cleaning up plastic from the environment and extracting it from birds, turtles and other animals, both alive and dead. Coca Cola, Schweppes and Lion need to clean up their act and support effective measures to keep their products out of the environment”, said Rochelle Ferris, General Manager, Australian Seabird Rescue.
 
“Some drinks producers like Fosters and Diageo have been getting on with the job of complying with the Northern Territory legislation and demonstrating corporate responsibility”, said Jeff Angel, “it’s time for Coca Cola to back off the bullying and clean up their act.”
 
 "I spent a month at sea in the North Pacific, on average we spotted large pieces of plastic pollution every 3.6 minutes. Over the whole voyage I only spotted one piece of driftwood. We are creating a toxic ecosystem that simply should not exist", said Paul Sharp, founder of Two Hands
 
Contacts

• Take 3, Tim Silverwood: 0420 668 114
• Greenpeace, James Lorenz: 0400 376 021
• Clean Up Australia, Terrie-Ann Johnson:  0408 269 233
• Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel:  0418 273 773
• Rochelle Ferris, General Manager, Australian Seabird Rescue: 0400 078 055
• Paul Sharp, Two Hands Project 0419041352

[1]
 Newspoll July 2012 commissioned by the Boomerang Alliance. Available on request.

[2]
 Chief Minister Terry Mills reported in the NT News, February 14, 2013, ‘Cash for Cans Put on Hold’, http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/02/14/317605_ntnews.html

[3]
 Dr Britta Denise Hardesty, quoted in ABC TV’s Catalyst Program, September 2012, http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3583576.htm.

[4]
 http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/Whatelsewesupport/why-do-we-need-a-container-deposit-legislation-.html