Climate group: ANZ’s a fossil fool

Cartoon by Phillip Somerville.

Members of environmental group Katoomba Climate Action Now (CAN) gathered on December 21 outside their local branch of the ANZ Bank to demonstrate, leaflet and chat with customers, staff and passers-by about coal.

Recent research by Greenpeace has shown the bank is one of the most substantial and consistent investors in coalmining and coal-fired power stations in Australia.

Environmental scientists regard coal as the dirtiest of power generation fuels because of its prolific carbon waste output.

George Winston of Katoomba, who took part in the protest, said: “Continuing investment in this stuff is really at direct odds with an efficient and committed transition to a non-carbon technology and economy.”

Katoomba CAN President Rosemary Lathouris added: “I think most people see that climate change is real and that more extreme degrees of our weather are indeed happening. Now it’s about what ordinary people can say and do to help.

“Overall, ANZ has a good reputation for green commitment, however their current coal investment portfolio is a serious brown smear.”

During the hour-long demonstration members gave information to staff as well as passers-by and customers. There was a predictable degree of hostility from some, but others expressed interest or outright concern.

[For more details on Katoomba Climate Action Now phone Rosemary (02) 4757 2511 or Phillip 0438 716 619.]

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