The MV Meister was transporting coal from Australia to Asia

Apr 24, 2013 08:26 GMT  ·  By

Neither Greenpeace members nor other environmentalists are big fans of coal, simply because this energy source need be held accountable for causing tremendous damage to the environment.

This April 24, the organization took another stand against said dirty energy source and boarded a ship that was supposed to transport coal from Australia to Asia.

The six Greenpeace members taking part in this protest explain that their decision to board the MV Meister and openly protest Australia's coal export policies was taken after all other attempts to compel the country into greening up its ways had ended in failure.

“Greenpeace has campaigned against the expansion of coal exports from Queensland, through the Great Barrier Reef, using every legitimate means we can to stop them going ahead,” Greenpeace writes on their official website.

“All to no avail: the Australian government has not acted to protect the Reef and prevent the expansion of our biggest contribution to climate change,” the organization further argues.

According to Greenpeace, Australia intends to double its current volume of coal exports.

Since this energy source is a major contributor to climate change and global warming, these plans are frowned upon by the organization.

More so given the fact that Australia has promised to do its best to curb global warming.

As Greenpeace puts it, “Such proposed expansion ridicules the country’s commitment to take action to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C.”

While some might argue that Greenpeace's decision to board the MV Meister is a tad extreme, others say that the organization does have a point.

Thus, given the fact that Australia's past summer packed record-setting temperatures, bushfires and floods, many would expect the country to take climate change seriously and implement measures aimed at curbing coal consumption on a global scale and not just in its own backyard.

Those wishing to show their support for Greenpeace's anti-coal campaign can do so by signing this statement here.