Story perspectives

Protesters Block Coal Shipments in Rising Tide Climate Action

12/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Thousands of protesters in Newcastle, New South Wales, gathered for the Rising Tide climate protest to block shipments at the world's largest coal port.
Police enforced a marine exclusion zone while activists turned away several coal ships.
Organizers demand end to new coal projects, a fair transition for workers, and a 78% tax on fossil fuel profits.
The protest highlights growing frustration with Australia's fossil fuel policies amid climate impacts.

History

Historical Context

Australia's climate emergency declaration in 2019 followed decades of rising temperatures and extreme weather events, including the devastating 2019-20 bushfires. The fossil fuel industry, particularly coal, generated around $66 billion in revenue that year, prompting protests demanding an end to new coal projects. This growing public discontent signals a pivotal shift in climate policy discussions and potential legislative changes in Australia.

1 of 2

Story summary

Thousands of protesters in Newcastle, New South Wales, gathered for the Rising Tide climate protest to block shipments at the world's largest coal port.
Police enforced a marine exclusion zone while activists turned away several coal ships.
Organizers demand end to new coal projects, a fair transition for workers, and a 78% tax on fossil fuel profits.
The protest highlights growing frustration with Australia's fossil fuel policies amid climate impacts.

1 / 2