Climate protest at Australia coal port

A song for the earth - activists from South Pacific countries protest against climate change.

They're trying to stop ships leaving Newcastle in Australia, the world's biggest port for coal export.

Climate change experts say the burning of coal is a major cause of global warming.

That's caused rising tides, which protesters say are swallowing smaller islands.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) 350.ORG ACTIVIST, GEORGE NACEWA SAYING:

"These expansions are exporting destruction to the islands so that's why we're here. We're trying to change the narrative from 'we are drowning' to 'we are not drowning, we are fighting'."

Hundreds joined their campaign on kayaks and canoes.

But surrounded by police boats, they didn't manage to stop any coal ships.

One protester said the police were aggressive.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNER DONNA BARTLET SAYING:

"They're playing chicken with us. I am a 47-year-old Nan. This is direct action from