Photographs from last weekend’s Rising Tide ‘protestival’ in Newcastle, on Woromi and Awabakal Lands.
Thousands turned up from all around the country over six days - from Thursday the 27th of November to Tuesday the 2nd of November - to protest against Australia’s lack of substantive action against climate change. A heavy police presence was on hand as protesters aimed to block coal ships in the harbour by non-violent direct and non-direct action, using kayaks, canoes and locking on to coal loading equipment. Around 150 people were arrested across the six day protest, most for breaching the small exclusion zone set up and enforced by police. At least 3 coal ships were blocked from entering the port.
Rising Tide is a climate focussed movement that aims to ensure Australia meets its obligations of the Paris Climate Agreement in reducing carbon emissions. The annual event focusses on bringing attention to Australia’s involvement in global carbon pollution, particularly through the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle and through its carbon emitting industries more generally.
Taking into account its fossil fuel exports, like coal, Australia stands as the second-largest carbon emitter in the world, only behind Russia.
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