Pacific Climate Warriors urged the Australian government to reject 27 new coal mining projects and prove to the Pacific that they truly value Pacific partnership and the survival of Pacific islands

New research shows there are 27 new coal mining projects currently awaiting approval decisions by Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

The report from the Sunrise Project estimates that if the coal mining projects are approved by the Albanese government and proceed, they would produce nearly 17 billion tonnes of carbon emissions over their lifetime. This is equivalent to 35 times Australia’s current annual reported emissions from all sources.

Joseph Zane Sikulu, 350.org Pacific Managing Director says,

“Australia has promised to be a “generous, respectful and reliable partner” to the Pacific. As Prime Minister Albanese attends the Pacific Forum Leaders meeting this week with assurances of constructive climate action, a massive carbon bomb in the form of 27 coal developments waits for approval.”

“The IPCC report has made it clear that there can be no new fossil fuel developments if we are to have a fighting chance against the climate crisis. We urge the Australian government to reject all 27 of these developments and prove to the Pacific that they truly value our partnership and the survival of our islands.”

Alisi Rabukawaqa, Pacific Climate Warrior says,

“Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel and the leading cause of the climate crisis. There is no situation in which the Australian government approves these new coal developments and remains a dignified neighbour to the Pacific people. 

This is not merely a matter of diplomacy to us, it is a matter of survival. As a mother, a climate activist and a Pacific Islander, I implore Australian Environment Minister Plibersek to say yes to climate action and no to any and all new coal developments.”

This story was originally at 350.org on 11 July 2022 by Drue Slatter, reposted via PACNEWS.