Greenpeace gains force in Polish demonstration against coal

Monday, 17 Nov 2008

It is reported that around 400 people living around a huge open pit mine near Konin, Poland, joined Greenpeace to reclaim the land occupied by the mine, which threatens their homes and livelihoods.

Local residents together with 7 mayors from villages and towns that are facing destruction because of the mine's expansion, gathered at Greenpeace's Climate Rescue Station on the edge of the mine.

It may be pointed out that Poland uses coal for 93% of its electricity production, more than double the world average, and is a major contributor to global warming. Poland is one of the top 20 states for CO2 emissions.

Mr Jozef Imbiorski, mayor of Tomislawice village said that "My people and I oppose the expansion of the mine because it will destroy the village we live in and force us to move."