Climate change activists from Rising Tide disrupted operations at Australia's largest coal export port, Newcastle port, on November 25, Reuters reported, citing the port operator.
The 30-hour blockade involved 1,500 participants, including 300 in kayaks in the shipping channel near the port, aiming to prevent the export of 500,000 tonnes of coal, force more action against fossil fuels and raise climate awareness.
Australia, the world's top exporter of coking coal used in steelmaking, and the second largest exporter of thermal coal following Indonesia, faces a contentious climate debate. The activists demand urgent action for a sustainable transition.
The Newcastle port, the country's primary coal terminal and the largest bulk shipping port on the east coast, halted all shipping due to safety concerns caused by the protest.
Rising Tide said that the port exported coal worth more than A$89 billion during 2021-2022, contributing to nearly 1% of global carbon emissions.
The activists' blockade of coal ships aims to protest against the government's approval of new coal projects and advocates for taxing coal exports to finance a swift transition towards sustainable community and industrial initiatives.
According to the latest report, more than 100 people have been charged when they refused to leave after the protest.
(Writing by Riley Liang Editing by Emma Yang)
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