Extinction Rebellion stages Henley Beach protest, mocks Adelaide COP31 bid
They came dressed as top Aussie politicians but they’re less than impressed with our leaders’ efforts to bring a major climate conference to Adelaide.
Climate activists have buried their heads in bizarre scenes on Henley Beach while taking aim at the Australia’s political leaders, and saying a successful bid for the COP31 climate conference in Adelaide would have been embarrassing.
About 25 Extinction Rebellion activists gathered near the jetty on Saturday in a 20 minute demonstration, that saw them bury their faces in the sand while wearing masks representing SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Senator Penny Wong and US President Donald Trump.
Three people paraded as ‘fossil fuel fat cats’, wearing vented hard hats bearing ted with the words “CEO BIG OIL” as they carried plastic champagne glasses and a silver money bag.
Spokeswoman Cathy Cox said the protest demonstrated what “politicians are effectively doing”.
“It’s very embarrassing how little Australia is doing,” Ms Cox said.
Large banners were also hung from the jetty that read “End Fossil Fuels Now” and “Climate Crisis = Ocean Death”, while other climate advocacy placards were dug into the sand.
It comes after Australia lost its bid to host the United Nations COP31 climate summit next year in Adelaide, conceding to rival bidder Turkey.
“Our feeling about that is, it would have been very embarrassing for Australia to have COP here,” Ms Cox said.
“We’ve got algal bloom, which is caused by ocean heating. The science is very clear that the heating of the ocean has caused the algae to multiply and that’s caused fish death.”
Protesters were hoping the loss would instead prompt the state and federal government to create a road map that transitions Australia away from fossil fuels.
“Australia is the biggest exporter of coal and the second or third exporter of what we choose to call natural gas, which is basically pure methane,” she said.
“We’re pointing out that Australian politicians are kneeling to the fossil fuel industry”
Extinction Rebellion activists believe this year’s COP30 climate summit, hosted in Brazil, was infiltrated by fossil fuel lobbyists after more than 1,600 attended the conference.
They also criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval of 31 new coal, oil and gas developments, and the 45-year extension of the Woodside’s North West Shelf project.
According to their website, the controversial group – who are part of a global movement – want to stop “mass extinction and minimise risk of social collapse”, by demanding government action on climate and ecological emergencies.
