About 40 people attended the launch of a No New Coal campaign by Safe Climate Perth on October 10. The launch took place as part of the 350.org “global work party” — an international day of action involving more than 7000 events around the world.
As part of the campaign, activists aim to get 10,000 signatures in 10 weeks on a petition opposing new coal developments in Western Australian.
There are three new coal-fired power stations approved by the state government. Two additional power stations are being refurbished by the government-owned Verve energy. These had previously been closed down because they were too polluting.
There is also a threat of further new coal mines being approved, including one at popular tourist region Margaret River. The state government is also considering a highly polluting coal-to-urea plant near Collie.
The petition calls for renewable energy developments instead of these coal projects. Safe Climate says greenhouse gas emissions of current and planned gas projects in north-west WA dwarf emissions from coal in WA. This shows renewable energy needs to replace all fossil fuels.
Safe Climate is organising 10 actions in 10 weeks as part of its campaign. The first action was the launch. The second action was to get letters published in commercial newspapers in the first week. At least seven letters were published in The West Australian.
More actions will be announced in coming weeks. The campaign will come together in a rally around human rights day in December.
For more information, including petitions for downloading, visit www.SafeClimate.org.au.