Climate warriors vindicated in court

Equally, she accepted the genuine ness of Rising Tide. Their aim is "to highlight the effect of coal on global warming....Their main focus is not on any loss to PWCS. This is not in the realm of industrial sabotage"

Meanwhile she put them on notice that if they caused a loss that "could be proved" then they would lose in court. She said the claim for compensation was dismissed.

Outside Newcastle Local Court a relieved spokesperson for Rising Tide faced the media.

Were they deterred? Would they do it again? Weren't they putting lives in danger?

Carly Phillips replied that while climate was threatened, while Newcastle port expanded in its export of coal, she would remain committed to stopping it. Proud of the training and safety record of Rising Tide, she said there was no cause to worry about their safety.

A demonstrator stood outside the court with a poster saying

"The real victims are the poor"

He told me that his organisation was worried by the effects of climate change on our near neighbours in the Pacific.

It struck me as I walked down to the station that this had been a very courteous court case. The fossil fuel industry wants dialogue. It could be ruthless, deciding to continue pursuing climate defenders but this would be like poisoning their own children in defence of short term profits.

On the Beyond Zero Radio programme at 3CR I've spoken to many like Clive Hamilton, who think civil disobedience and direct action are needed to bring the fossil fuel industry to their knees.

Alternatively they could go to Plan B.

There is a change of behaviour required. The protests could stop . Those expert managers and skilled workers, could turn their minds to the logistics of the renewables industry. Their X-Strata and Rio Tinto shareholders could still make a profit and workers would have good jobs that do not threaten our Pacific neighbours. We would all win