In the lead-up to COP28, Australia witnesses a significant protest against climate inaction as activists converge at the Port of Newcastle. Nearly 3,000 demonstrators gathered at this New South Wales port, permitted by Australian authorities, to voice their concerns about climate change. Among the protesters, hundreds ventured into the sea in canoes, obstructing coal transport from one of the country’s major ports.

The activists’ efforts reportedly stalled an estimated half a million tons of coal from leaving the nation, reflecting their strong stance against coal shipments. In response, New South Wales Police detained 104 individuals who refused to disperse from the port premises. The protest at this critical hub for coal exports signals heightened activism just days before the global climate summit in Dubai.