SYDNEY, 1st March: Following confirmation of widespread bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, 350.org Australia is calling upon the Turnbull Government to say no to Adani’s Carmichael coal mine and commit to halting new fossil fuel projects nationally.

“This tragic coral bleaching again signals what we already know — coal and gas are warming the planet and destroying the places we love most,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.  “If the Turnbull Government is serious about climate change, they will say no to Adani’s monstrous Carmichael coal mine and put a stop to new fossil fuel development.”

“With an election looming, voters everywhere will be looking to leaders who can do what it takes to safeguard their children’s futures, not those who let one of the greatest wonders of the natural world suffer the tragic consequences of Australia’s obsession with coal.

“The science is clear, if we want to enjoy natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef for decades to come, then we must keep coal and gas in the ground. Despite this, Adani’s Carmichael mine, which would be both a climate and Reef catastrophe, has been approved and reapproved by the Turnbull Government.

“This coral bleaching shows us in no uncertain terms that coal kills. It’s time for the Turnbull Government to agree to keep it in the ground, starting with the monstrous Carmichael coal mine,” concluded Palese.

Contact: Charlie Wood, 350.org Campaigns Director: 0427 485 233 or charlie@350.org.au.