Climate activist’s hunger strike hits two week mark

A former high-level diplomat has reached two weeks without food amid a hunger strike against the Albanese government.

An Australian climate activist and former high-level diplomat has reached two weeks without food amid a hunger strike against the Albanese government.

Gregory Andrews, who has staged his hunger strike outside Parliament House, has vowed not to eat for another month or until the government intervenes to cease massive coal and gas exports.

On Wednesday, he stood with a blackboard sign reading: “Day 14 climate hunger strike.”

Gregory Andrews, an Australian climate activist and former high-level diplomat, is on a hunger strike at Parliament House. Picture: X

His hunger strike is a protest against the Albanese government’s approval of four coal mine projects and the country’s large exports of coal and gas. Picture: X

After more than 30 years of service within the government, Mr Andrews has worked as an ambassador to West Africa, the nation’s first threatened species commissioner, and Australia’s deputy chief climate negotiator at the United Nations.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has approved four coal mine projects this year, which he has pointed to as a catalyst for his action.

Speaking to the ABC on the two-week mark, Mr Andrews detailed how he was coping.

“My stomach feels like a bit of a knot,” he said.

Mr Andrews is demanding the government to take action to reduce its fossil fuel exports, stop subsidising fossil fuels, and amend Australia’s Environment Protection Biodiversity Act to include climate impacts. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“I don’t miss food, but I feel powerful, being on the lawns here at Parliament House.

“My body is slowing down, my stability isn’t as good. I feel quite emotional. But I feel stronger than I ever have been in my life, in terms of my voice.”

He told the public broadcaster five government actions would end his strike.

These actions include the cessation of subsidies for fossil fuels, phasing out the export of coal and gas as soon as possible, stopping the logging of native forests, releasing the findings from the National Security Climate Risk Assessment report, and amending Australia’s Environment Protection Biodiversity Act to include climate impacts.

On the 14th day of his hunger strike, Andrews talked to the ABC and shared his experience. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Australia is the third-largest fossil fuel exporter in the world,” he said.

“When I think about what that means for my children, and all of Australia and all of the world’s children, it’s quite unbearable.

“So that’s why I’m doing it.”

On day eight, Mr Andrews spectacularly stormed out of an interview with conservative Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt, who asked: “Is it fair or mature to stage this drama featuring yourself where you say ‘do as I say, or I’ll kill myself?’”

Climate activist Gregory Andrews stormed off a Sky News interview during a heated debate with host Andrew Bolt over a hunger strike. Picture: Sky News

The heated exchange ended when Mr Andrews stormed off set after Bolt questioned whether it was a good parenting choice.

In an explanation posted to X after the on-air screaming match, Mr Andrews said: “When Andrew Bolt went after my daughter, who wants a safe climate future, I felt deeply disrespected.

“I don’t tolerate abuse. So said goodbye and walked off set,” he wrote.

Mr Andrewsreportedly lost 4.5kg during the first six days of his protest.

He plans to continue his protest until at least December 13th, expecting Australia to take stronger action ahead of the UN’s COP 28 climate talks in Dubai.

In addition, on Wednesday, Mr Andrews said he received word UN Secretary-General António Guterres was aware of his plight.