Leaders set to declare Climate Emergency at important Pacific meeting

11.07.22 By
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PACIFIC ISLAND LEADERS are set to declare a Climate Emergency after Foreign Ministers have agreed that climate change is the single greatest threat facing the region.

Foreign Ministers’ have outlined in an official outcomes document that:

Dr Wesley Morgan, Climate Council Senior Researcher and climate diplomacy expert who is in Fiji for the Pacific Islands forum this week said:

“This is an important and welcome step to resetting Australia’s relations with the Pacific. 

“It will be crucial for the new Australian Government to back up this Climate Emergency declaration with meaningful action. That means, ending Australia’s love affair with coal and gas as quickly as possible, and committing to ending public funding for fossil fuel projects. 

“The Pacific Islands Forum is a crucial moment for the Albanese Government to reset relations with strategically important Pacific nations, and prove itself as a climate leader, as outlined in the Climate Council’s new report, A Fight for Survival: Tackling the climate crisis is key to security in the Blue Pacific.

“Climate change is an existential threat to the Pacific and despite stronger emissions targets from the new Australian Government, the latest science and assessment of global targets shows a catastrophic shortfall on the scale of action required. 

“To rebuild trust in the Pacific and potentially co-host a UN climate summit with island nations Australia’s new 2030 emissions reduction targets must be a floor, not a ceiling.” 

Based on its high emissions, economic strength, and vast untapped opportunities for renewable energy, Australia should aim to reduce its emissions to 75% below 2005 levels by 2030. 

Read the Climate Council’s new report: A Fight for Survival: Tackling the Climate Crisis is Key to Security in the Blue Pacific.  

For interviews please contact Brianna Hudson (in Fiji) on +61455 238 875 brianna.hudson@climatecouncil.org.au 

NOTES TO EDITORS: 

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