08/11/2019

Coal trains to Adani’s Abbot Point coal terminal have been stopped this morning, with a man locking himself to the Newlands rail line.

53 year old carpenter Devan Tisdale locked himself to the rail track this morning while a group of 20 gathered out the front of Abbot Point, saying if people are serious about stopping the climate crisis we need to stop the coal trains.

Mr Tisdale said “by now enough scientific studies have been done. We know climate change is a crisis we’re already living in. I’m not trying to convince anyone climate change is real, I’m trying to inspire people to do something about it. Actions like this are an example of what anyone can do to stop the coal that is destroying our planet.”

This week more reports warned of the disastrous effects of climate change. A statement signed by over 11,000 scientists said “We declare clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency… humanity faces untold suffering due to the climate crisis.” The federal government’s drought policy report by Stephen Day, released yesterday, warned “As a consequence of climate change, drought is likely to be more regular, longer in duration and broader in area.”

Mr Tisdale said “It’s not enough to blame government inaction. It’s all of our responsibility and there’s no time now for excuses. If we really believe climate change is a crisis, we need to get out here and stop the coal trains.”