Climate protesters organised a snap action inside a lavish foyer of Barangaroo where Marsh Insurance Brokers have its Sydney office early on March 5.
As workers were rushing in with their coffees, protesters held up banners demanding that Marsh — one of the largest global insurance brokers — end its association with Adani's Carmichael coal mine project in central Queensland.
All major projects require underwriting insurance for public liability, plant and equipment damage and workers' compensation. Insurance remains a crucial missing piece of financial support and Marsh is helping Adani to find an insurance company.
It is likely that Adani has still not secured an insurer to build its mine and rail line and, without that, it cannot legally carry out the work.
So far 16 global insurers, including some major players in the resources and energy sectors, have ruled out working with Adani mine.
Under pressure from the national Stop Adani campaign, as well as mounting public opinion for real climate action, some 66 corporations have ruled out supporting Adani.
As Marsh and McLennan executives were holding an emergency meeting in New York City, protesters with #StopAdani placards held an action outside on March 6.
Marsh is beginning to be rattled by the attention, including people handing out #StopAdani leaflets outside their offices and flooding their social media. The actions are also aiming at helping Marsh staff raise their voices internally.
The Carmichael coal mine is arguably the most environmentally and socially contentious coal project in Australia's history. The burning of this coal, over its lifetime, is estimated to be the equivalent of eight years of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Just as problematic is that it would act as a gateway to a new thermal coal basin containing billions of tonnes of coal which, if burned, would make Australia an even bigger climate criminal.
The Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners oppose Adani and want to protect the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
[Coral Wynter is an activist with Stop Adani Sydney. Get involved with the action to stop Marsh Insurance online.]