The International Gas Union was forced to cancel its exclusive outdoor cocktail party at the Perth Convention Centre last night, as an estimated 60 protesters gathered to show fossil fuel lobbyists that they are ‘not welcome in Perth’.
The global lobby group - which represents some of the world’s largest fossil fuel companies - is holding a conference in Perth this week, where representatives from the world’s biggest polluters will share tips on how to market the continued production of their increasingly unpopular fossil fuel products.
Executives from the likes of Woodside and Chevron will also take part in seminars and workshops on "Gas Narratives - Advocating for gas in challenging times" and "Reopening of the Game for gas."
More than 60 climate activists and organisations including the Conservation Council of WA, The Wilderness Society, Drummers for Climate Action and Greenpeace Australia Pacific gathered outside the venue for the peaceful demonstration.
With the protest clearly audible even inside the venue, organisers were forced to make a hasty change of plans on Tuesday, with delegates remaining inside the convention centre.
Anna Chapman, Fossil Fuels Program Manager at the Conservation Council of WA, said:
“Big gas is fuelling the climate crisis more than any other industry here in WA. While our state’s emissions continue to spiral out of control, Woodside and other big polluters are looking to ramp up their gas production into the 2070s and line their pockets at our expense.
“Our state and federal governments must look after the interests of the people and communities they represent - not pander to the fossil fuel lobby. That means stopping controversial gas projects like Browse and focussing on protecting West Australians from the impacts of the climate crisis”
Tim Clifford, Campaign Manager at the the Wilderness Society, said:
“This is a meeting of the world’s biggest climate propaganda cartel. They are gathering here to discuss their next strategy to capture governments and con the public in order to stop climate action.
“The International Gas Union only has one goal, the preservation of the gas industry. No amount of state capture will prevent the public in Western Australia from letting the International Gas Union and their cronies know that they are not welcome here.
Jane Genovese, Drummers 4 Climate Action, said:
"The experts are telling us we can't have any new fossil gas projects. As we face record temperatures and extreme fire conditions, the gas industry wants to pour fuel on the fire. Disrupting a cocktail party is nothing compared to the impact the climate crisis is already having.”
About us:
The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) is the state’s foremost nonprofit, non-government conservation organisation representing nearly 100 environmental organisations across Western Australia. For more information, visit: ccwa.org.au.
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