Greenpeace blocks Fonterra coal use with clean solution
Greenpeace activists have blocked the coal depot of Fonterra’s Clandeboye factory near Timaru, using a truckload of alternative fuel, saying the company is damaging the climate by burning coal when cleaner solutions exist.
They’re also highlighting that the Government’s schedule 4 mining plans include mining 3,000 ha of the Paparoa National Park for coal, which is destined for Fonterra plants (1). Over 40,000 people marched against the plans earlier this month (2).
“Fonterra’s decision to run its factories on coal rather than clean alternatives epitomizes not only the global climate crisis, but also the very serious economic challenge facing New Zealand” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Simon Boxer. “Both the Government and Fonterra continue to put short-term profit ahead of the long-term wellbeing of the economy and the environment.
“Following Greenpeace’s action last November against the lignite coal mine supplying Fonterra’s Edendale milk powder factory, Fonterra hinted it might look at cleaner alternatives to coal (3). Nearly six months later vast quantities of coal are still pouring into Fonterra’s boilers,” said Boxer.
“The climate cannot wait and we want a clear answer from Fonterra. Meanwhile the Government needs to forget its 19th century thinking and show the country it’s capable of leading it towards a modern, smart, clean economy.
“Ignoring the climate crisis and mining coal, including from National Parks, to burn in Fonterra factories producing low value milk powder for the commodities market, is nothing short of criminal.”
Boxer said Fonterra’s intensification model for dairy was driving up emissions and undermining New Zealand’s clean and green reputation.
“The international accounting firm KPMG recently questioned the future of Fonterra’s intensive dairy business model (4). Fonterra’s backward vision is not going to add value to the New Zealand economy.”
Wood pellets and other biomass products of the timber industry are viable alternatives to coal which burn cleaner, release less carbon dioxide and are renewable, he said.
Today’s action is part of an ongoing campaign by Greenpeace to highlight and stop Fonterra’s climate crimes. Over the last 10 months Greenpeace has exposed links between Fonterra’s supplementary palm kernel animal feed from Indonesia and the devastation of rainforests (5) and highlighted its use of coal to power its factories, which is driving coal mining and carbon emissions in New Zealand (6).
Notes to Editor
1. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/3490688/Coal-from-park-for-local-use-Elder
2. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10642231
4.http://www.kpmg.com/NZ/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Pages/Agribusiness-Agenda.aspx
5. http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/news/fonterra-exposed
6. http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/press/releases/greenpeace-activists-shut-down
Update: Activists: we’ll stay until Fonterra accepts challenge
TIMARU, New Zealand — One of the four activists who are locked to equipment in the coal depot at Fonterra’s Clandeboye factory near Timaru says it’s now up to Fonterra to take action to protect the climate and New Zealand’s clean green brand by switching to cleaner fuel options for the plant.
Renee Davenport, from Hamilton, has been in position since 12:30 this afternoon, and says the activists will stay where they are until Fonterra - the country’s third largest coal user and one of our biggest emitters - makes a commitment to address its coal use.
As well as the four activists attached to equipment, Greenpeace has dumped three tonnes of wood pellets in the depot which supplies coal to the boilers. Fonterra has said it’s possible for the plant to run on the pellets (timber biomass).
Fonterra has so far not commented on today’s activity.
The four are also highlighting that the Government’s schedule 4 mining plans include mining 3,000 ha of the Paparoa National Park for coal, which is destined for, among other things, Fonterra plants (2). Over 40,000 people marched against the plans earlier this month (3).
“Fonterra’s decision to run its factories on coal rather than clean alternatives epitomizes not only the global climate crisis, but also the very serious economic challenge facing New Zealand,” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Simon Boxer. “Both the Government and Fonterra continue to put short-term profit ahead of the long-term wellbeing of the economy and the environment.
Local police visited the site during the afternoon.
Activists arrested after blocking coal to Clandeboye for 10 hours
TIMARU, New Zealand — Police have arrested four Greenpeace activists at Fonterra’s Clandeboye dairy factory near Timaru, after they succeeded in blocking coal deliveries to the plant for nearly 10 hours.
The activists were highlighting Fonterra’s contribution to climate change, in particular its decision to use coal rather than clean alternatives to run plants like Clandeboye.
“Fonterra’s choice of coal over cleaner alternatives to power large factories like Clandeboye is driving coal mining and carbon emissions in New Zealand,” said one of the activists, Renee Davenport of Hamilton.
“We need to stop burning coal in order to protect people and the environment around the world from the devastating effects of climate change and to protect New Zealand’s clean and green reputation,” she said.
Fonterra is the third largest user of coal in New Zealand and one of our biggest emitters. The Government’s schedule 4 mining plans include mining 3,000 ha of the Paparoa National Park for coal, which is destined for Fonterra plants.
Greenpeace has left behind three tonnes of wood pellets which they delivered earlier today, saying the renewable and cleaner-burning fuel is the solution to Fonterra’s burning of dirty coal.
“Fonterra’s decision to run its factories on coal typifies where New Zealand is going wrong on climate and our economy,” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Simon Boxer. “Both the Government and Fonterra continue to put short-term profit ahead of the long-term wellbeing of the economy and the environment. Where is the leadership we need from our Government and key industry?”