Source: The New Daily
An independent group of global leaders, who call themselves ‘Ocean Elders’, has written a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten calling on them to intervene and stop the drilling from going ahead.

“If we are to meet the Paris Climate Accord to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees, it is essential that we do not open up new fossil fuel reserves, let alone in extremely dangerous and high conservation value environments such as the Bight,” the letter reads.

“Due to the depth and roughness of the seas in the Bight, and the absence of knowledge about pressure and temperature beneath the sea-bed, the likelihood of an accident is higher than in existing oil basins.”

The letter has been signed by Nobel Laureates and high-profile leaders including the Prince of Monaco Albert II, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson and United Nations Messenger of Peace and renowned anthropologist Dame Jane Goodall.

The group wants a permanent ban on oil exploration in the Great Australian Bight, which is home to more than 30 species of whales and dolphins and more unique biodiversity than the Great Barrier Reef.

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