Greenpeace
Greenpeace Aotearoa has
come out strongly in support of the protest happening
now against Bathhurst Minerals’ plan to expand coal
mining on the Denniston Plateau.
Greenpeace
spokesperson Amanda Larsson says, “There comes a time when
we have to stand up to the forces that conspire to put life
on Earth at risk, and this is one of those
moments.
“The climate crisis is an existential crisis.
The science is clear; if we are to have a liveable planet,
the burning of coal has to stop. Taking climate change
seriously means admitting that there can be no expansion of
coal mining here or anywhere.
“The biodiversity crisis
is also an existential crisis, and the science is very clear
here too – we cannot stand to lose more
species.
“This planned expansion of coal
mining by Bathurst Minerals, cheered on by hapless
politicians that belong to a bygone era, would not only
drive climate change but also risk losing critical native
species found only here in Aotearoa.
“The
people taking action on the Denniston Plateau are guardians
who deserve our support and admiration. Nobody wants to put
their body on the line or risk arrest, but these people have
found the courage to do so, and we salute them.
“If
Luxon’s government insists on waging a war on nature, then
people will rise up to defend the places they care about.
When politicians willingly sacrifice our children’s future
for private profits, people will stand up to protect who and
what they
love.”
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