Australia must listen to its Pacific neighbours on climate crisis
5 years, 4 months ago

Australia must listen to its Pacific neighbours on climate crisis

ABC  

In the Pacific, the climate crisis is a matter of survival for our most vulnerable nations. The toll is clear on Tuvalu In Tuvalu, where Pacific Island Forum leaders will meet this week, the human toll and grave injustice of the climate crisis is clear for all to see. Australia's actions tell a different story Here in the Pacific, the Australian Government's recklessness in the face of the climate crisis — in full knowledge of its implications for our people — is hard to fathom. This year's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting marks the start of a crucial 18-month window that will culminate at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2020. For any country to be a trusted member of the Pacific family, and with that retain the ability to help shape the region's future, they must respond to the number one priority of Pacific Island countries— climate change.

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History of this topic

Commonwealth Nations to Discuss Slavery Reparations and Climate Change at Summit in Samoa
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Commonwealth Nations to Discuss Slavery Reparations and Climate Change at Summit in Samoa

Hindustan Times  

Commonwealth nations will discuss slavery reparations and climate change at a summit in Samoa. The meeting will focus on the legacy of British slavery and the need for reparations for descendants of enslaved people. Climate change is another major topic of discussion, with island leaders calling for a commitment to the Paris Accord's warming goal of 1.5 degrees C. The …

Climate-threatened Pacific Islands criticize Australia at Commonwealth meeting
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Climate-threatened Pacific Islands criticize Australia at Commonwealth meeting

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Several Pacific island nations singled …

Pacific nations pressure Australia, UK and Canada over climate record
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Pacific nations pressure Australia, UK and Canada over climate record

ABC  

Several Pacific island nations are ramping up pressure on Australia over climate change during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, declaring that Canberra must phase out fossil fuel exports to help ensure their survival. Tuvalu's prime minister, Feleti Teo, joined senior officials from Vanuatu and Fiji to launch a new report by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative …

UN secretary-general calls on major polluters to show leadership in cutting emissions to prevent Pacific climate catastrophe
4 months, 2 weeks ago

UN secretary-general calls on major polluters to show leadership in cutting emissions to prevent Pacific climate catastrophe

ABC  

United Nations secretary-general António Guterres has implored major polluters and developed nations such as Australia to rapidly cut emissions and phase out coal and gas after meeting Pacific leaders in Tonga, warning the region is on the brink of climate catastrophe. But Pacific climate groups and some Pacific politicians have sharply criticised Australia's climate track record, saying the federal government …

Pacific Island Countries Blindsided in Climate Conference
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Pacific Island Countries Blindsided in Climate Conference

The Diplomat  

The gridlock and the meager offerings from COP28, this year’s U.N. climate change conference, left many leaders from the Pacific Island states – some of the countries most at risk from climate change and rising sea levels – frustrated. The need for consensus is often a flashpoint of anger directed toward the annual climate meetings, with many onlookers deriding a …

Australia offers to help Tuvalu residents escape rising seas and other ravages of climate change
1 year, 2 months ago

Australia offers to help Tuvalu residents escape rising seas and other ravages of climate change

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Australia on Friday offered the island nation of Tuvalu a lifeline to help residents escape the rising seas and increased storms brought by climate change. “This partnership stands as a beacon of hope, signifying not just a milestone but a giant leap forward in our joint mission to ensure regional stability, sustainability and prosperity.” NASA’s Sea …

Anthony Albanese offers Tuvalu residents the right to resettle in Australia, as climate change 'threatens its existence'
1 year, 2 months ago

Anthony Albanese offers Tuvalu residents the right to resettle in Australia, as climate change 'threatens its existence'

ABC  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new pact with the low-lying island country of Tuvalu, allowing residents facing displacement from climate change the ability to resettle in Australia. Key points: The deal is the first time Australia has offered residence or citizenship rights due to the threat posed by climate change The US and New Zealand have similar agreements …

Australia offers to help Tuvalu residents escape rising seas, other ravages of climate change
1 year, 2 months ago

Australia offers to help Tuvalu residents escape rising seas, other ravages of climate change

LA Times  

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, and Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Kausea Natano shake hands on One Foot Island after attending the Leaders’ Retreat during the Pacific Islands Forum in Aitutaki, Cook Islands, on Thursday. Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano said the new arrangement respected both nations’ sovereignty and committed each country to supporting the other through such challenges as climate …

South Pacific leaders will meet on the stunning island of Aitutaki to discuss climate change
1 year, 2 months ago

South Pacific leaders will meet on the stunning island of Aitutaki to discuss climate change

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — South Pacific leaders are heading to the stunning beautiful island of Aitutaki to discuss climate change and other regional concerns. Albanese told reporters that Australia had gotten a positive reception in a region where climate change looms as an existential threat for many low-lying islands. Albanese’s predecessor Scott Morrison was criticized for dragging his feet on …

During Australia Visit, Fijian Prime Minister Calls for ‘Ocean of Peace’
1 year, 2 months ago

During Australia Visit, Fijian Prime Minister Calls for ‘Ocean of Peace’

The Diplomat  

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called for the Pacific Ocean to be an “Ocean of Peace” amid a visit to Australia last month, in which he seemed to edge Fiji further away from China. My past cannot be removed, but I can compensate to some extent for what I did.” His comments came during a tour of Australia where he …

Robert Glasser on Australia’s Turn to Climate Action
1 year, 11 months ago

Robert Glasser on Australia’s Turn to Climate Action

The Diplomat  

In the last few years, the costs and impacts of climate change have become unavoidably clear to Australians. face up to the challenge of climate change.” Sure enough, Australia’s federal election in May 2022 saw the incumbent Liberal/National Coalition – then led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison – fail to secure a fourth consecutive term. Across Australia, voters swung away …

Australian Indigenous leaders say ‘need to be’ at climate table
2 years, 1 month ago

Australian Indigenous leaders say ‘need to be’ at climate table

Al Jazeera  

First nations representatives say the scale of the climate crisis requires ‘unprecedented collaboration’. “We need to be at the decision-making table and making calls on what happens in regard to the globe and climate change.” Drought, fire, floods As parts of eastern Australia succumb to widespread flooding, two years after catastrophic bushfires burned communities to the ground and killed millions …

Pacific island national leaders declare climate emergency
2 years, 5 months ago

Pacific island national leaders declare climate emergency

Associated Press  

SUVA, Fiji — Pacific island national leaders declared a climate emergency on Friday and agreed to try to bring Kiribati back to the region’s main diplomatic grouping. In a soon-to-be released communique, the leaders “welcomed and fully supported” the new Australian government’s commitment to the forum’s climate change priorities, Australian Associated Press reported after seeing the document. The United States, …

Pacific leaders to declare 'climate emergency' in PIF statement, praise Australia's move to lift emissions reduction target
2 years, 5 months ago

Pacific leaders to declare 'climate emergency' in PIF statement, praise Australia's move to lift emissions reduction target

ABC  

Australia looks set to sign up to a joint statement from Pacific Islands Forum leaders that is expected to declare a "climate emergency" and calls for rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. Key points: The PIF communique repeatedly calls for accelerated and drastic action to reduce emissions Anthony Albanese says Pacific leaders praised the …

Pacific islands summit begins amid US-China battle for influence
2 years, 5 months ago

Pacific islands summit begins amid US-China battle for influence

Al Jazeera  

Key summit comes as region grapples with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and US-China rivalry. “I don’t hear a well-formulated answer on exactly how the strategy will be implemented, and I don’t think other neighbouring nations are much further along than we are.” Bohn said that while developed countries would prefer to see the region adopt a …

‘We are in danger now’: Vanuatu declares climate emergency
2 years, 7 months ago

‘We are in danger now’: Vanuatu declares climate emergency

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Bob Loughman says using the term ’emergency’ is a way of signalling the need for ‘responsible nations to match action to the size and urgency of the crisis’. Vanuatu’s parliament has declared a climate emergency with the low-lying island nation’s prime minister flagging a $1.2bn cost to cushion global warming’s impacts on his tiny Pacific country. “The use …

PM-elect Anthony Albanese vows to repair Australia’s image overseas
2 years, 7 months ago

PM-elect Anthony Albanese vows to repair Australia’s image overseas

The Hindu  

Incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to end Australia’s reputation as a climate laggard and reset relations with the rest of the world Sunday, as he raced to form a government in time for a key Tokyo summit. “I want to change the way that politics operates in this country.” It is still unclear whether Albanese’s Labor Party will win …

Will Labor govt in Australia put climate change at the forefront?
2 years, 7 months ago

Will Labor govt in Australia put climate change at the forefront?

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s conservative coalition has been voted out of office after nearly a decade in power. Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, and the outgoing government often objected to plans to reduce greenhouse emissions. Neighbouring Pacific Islands say Australia is blocking climate action, even as their territories are under threat of sinking. Uneasy ties with the island nations are …

Australian election: Where is climate change on the agenda?
2 years, 7 months ago

Australian election: Where is climate change on the agenda?

Al Jazeera  

The majority of Australians want action on climate change, but you would not know that from the campaign for Saturday’s election. “Despite decades of warnings from scientists about climate change, Australia is unprepared for the supercharged weather that it is now driving,” said Hilary Bambrick, co-author of Australia’s annual assessment of progress on climate adaptation. “Australia is at the forefront …

Analysis: Australia’s climate policy is being dictated by a former accountant in a cowboy hat
3 years, 3 months ago

Analysis: Australia’s climate policy is being dictated by a former accountant in a cowboy hat

CNN  

CNN — Australia’s Prime Minister has all but confirmed he won’t join global leaders at crucial climate talks in Glasgow. “It’s talking to people in regional Australia, how the deputy prime minister and I believe our plan will help them in their communities, how our plan will help them realize their future.” With that remark, Morrison made it clear his …

The Costs of Australia’s Climate Politics
4 years ago

The Costs of Australia’s Climate Politics

The Diplomat  

At the beginning of 2020, Australia’s catastrophic bushfires were making international headlines. Climate Change and Foreign Policy: The Regional Context By any account, Australia’s immediate region is among the most vulnerable in the world to the effects of climate change. While the government had announced that it would commit A$500 million over five years to climate change programs in the …

Momentum is swinging towards more climate action, but Australia is sticking to its current targets
4 years, 1 month ago

Momentum is swinging towards more climate action, but Australia is sticking to its current targets

ABC  

It's what every campaigner covets. The United Kingdom's conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the summit, having promised a 68 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, based on 1990 emissions levels. Scott Morrison's hazy commitment to reach net-zero emissions "in the second half of the century" doesn't cut it, either. Paris Agreement goals Deal to limit global warming …

The Coalition’s Climate Change Conundrum
4 years, 10 months ago

The Coalition’s Climate Change Conundrum

The Diplomat  

The bushfires in Australia these past few months have brought to the fore discussions on the local effects of climate change. With drier conditions fuelling longer and more intense fire seasons, Australia will continue to be vulnerable to fire events, like this year’s, that have devastating effects on people’s lives and on the country’s unique wildlife. Yet this vision of …

Australian PM’s leadership criticized during wildfire crisis
5 years ago

Australian PM’s leadership criticized during wildfire crisis

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — As his country burned, Australia’s prime minister was cursed and jeered out of a town, called an “idiot,” a “moron” and worse, and skewered at home and abroad for his dismissive response toward climate change. The outpouring of frustration and rage from many Australians toward Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s lethargic wildfire response has been likened to the …

Morrison rejects Thunberg’s comments linking Australian bushfires with climate change
5 years ago

Morrison rejects Thunberg’s comments linking Australian bushfires with climate change

Deccan Chronicle  

Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday dismissed calls from Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg to take more action on climate change amid a devastating bushfire crisis in his country. “Australia and the Australian government will set our policies based on Australia’s national interests, on what Australia needs to do,” Morrison told reporters while visiting evacuees in the state …

UN Climate Summit snub by Scott Morrison sends strong message to Australia's neighbours
5 years, 3 months ago

UN Climate Summit snub by Scott Morrison sends strong message to Australia's neighbours

ABC  

There was a noticeable shift in mood on Monday when the United Nations Climate Summit began in New York. Key points: Australia wasn't invited to speak at summit due to lack of ambitious emissions-reduction target Australia's absence was noted among attendees including Pacific neighbours Morrison said he doesn't want children to have 'anxieties' about climate change Empty platitudes were given …

Deputy PM apologises for telling Pacific it will survive climate change as workers 'pick our fruit'
5 years, 4 months ago

Deputy PM apologises for telling Pacific it will survive climate change as workers 'pick our fruit'

ABC  

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has apologised for comments about Pacific islanders being able to survive the ravages of climate change by taking fruit-picking jobs in Australia. Key points: Pacific countries want Australia to do more about climate change as they face rising sea levels Nationals leader Michael McCormack said last week they would survive because they "pick our fruit" …

Australia's climate change stance damaging relationship with Pacific islands, former Kiribati president warns
5 years, 4 months ago

Australia's climate change stance damaging relationship with Pacific islands, former Kiribati president warns

ABC  

Pacific nations may view Australia as the "worst of two evils" when compared to China, after it undermined a deal on climate change, according to the former president of one of the region's smallest nations. Key points: Australia has been criticised for forcing leaders at last week's Pacific Islands Forum to water down language on cutting carbon emissions Kiribati's former …

Australia accused of putting coal before Pacific 'family' as region calls for climate change action
5 years, 4 months ago

Australia accused of putting coal before Pacific 'family' as region calls for climate change action

ABC  

Pacific leaders have slammed Australia for putting politics ahead of their island neighbours after they undermined a consensus on a climate change communique. Key points: Groups accuse Australia of "turning a blind eye" to their Pacific neighbours New Zealand has been praised for its approach to tackling climate change Critics say Australia's focus on coal has undermined its Pacific Step …

Fiji slams Australia's Deputy PM for saying Pacific nations can survive climate change by picking fruit
5 years, 4 months ago

Fiji slams Australia's Deputy PM for saying Pacific nations can survive climate change by picking fruit

ABC  

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has accused the Australian Government of taking a "big step backwards" in its relations with the Pacific, after Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was captured on tape saying island nations affected by climate change would continue to survive by picking Australian fruit. Key points: Michael McCormack says Pacific nations will survive climate change because "workers …

Pacific islands wanted more action on the climate crisis. Australia said no
5 years, 4 months ago

Pacific islands wanted more action on the climate crisis. Australia said no

CNN  

CNN — Australia has thwarted a push by Pacific Island nations for more action on the climate crisis in an emotional forum at which one leader broke down in tears. He famously brought a chunk of coal into Parliament in 2017, taunting the opposition party about its push for more renewable energy by saying: “This is coal, don’t be afraid, …

New Zealand caught in the middle of Australia's climate change tussle with the Pacific
5 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand caught in the middle of Australia's climate change tussle with the Pacific

ABC  

New Zealand has become caught in the middle of the stoush brewing between Australia and Pacific leaders in Tuvalu over climate change. Key points: Jacinda Ardern said every country must commit to greater cuts in carbon emissions The world leaders are expected to come to a consensus on a statement on climate change Mr Morrison has committed to talk about …

New Zealand's Deputy PM defends Australia amid Pacific nations' attack over climate policies
5 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand's Deputy PM defends Australia amid Pacific nations' attack over climate policies

ABC  

Pacific island nations need to remember they are receiving coal-powered Chinese loans, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister has warned as he launched a defence of Australia. Key points: Pacific nations are pressuring Australia to do more to phase out coal-fired power generation NZ's Deputy Prime Minister reminded Pacific nations they were receiving Chinese loans "on the backs of coal-fired everything" …

Climate compromise expected as Pacific leaders seek Scott Morrison's support
5 years, 4 months ago

Climate compromise expected as Pacific leaders seek Scott Morrison's support

ABC  

Tuvalu's Prime Minister is paving the way for a compromise on climate change, to ensure Australia agrees to a consensus position by the region's leading Pacific Islands Forum. Key points: Tuvalu's PM is encouraging other Pacific leaders to come to a consensus with Australia One of the demands from the Pacific has been for countries to phase out the use …

Tuvalu's PM says Australia's climate funding for Pacific 'not an excuse' to avoid emissions cuts
5 years, 4 months ago

Tuvalu's PM says Australia's climate funding for Pacific 'not an excuse' to avoid emissions cuts

ABC  

Tuvalu has warned Australia that redirecting aid money to climate resilience projects in the Pacific should not be used as an "excuse" to avoid reducing emissions and phasing out coal-fired power generation. Key points: Tuvalu wants Australia to cut domestic emissions and stop opening coal mines Countries like Australia have been urged to continue to fund the UN's Green Climate …

Climate change to be the focus as Scott Morrison attends Pacific Islands Forum
5 years, 4 months ago

Climate change to be the focus as Scott Morrison attends Pacific Islands Forum

ABC  

Scott Morrison's pledge to "step up" relations with the Pacific will be put to the test this coming week, with the Prime Minister heading to Tuvalu for talks with Pacific leaders. Key points: Climate change is expected to top the agenda at the Pacific Islands Forum Labor says lack of climate action jeopardises relations with the Pacific Experts worry Australia's …

Scott Morrison deflects US pressure for Australia to weigh in on China-Taiwan contest in the Pacific
5 years, 7 months ago

Scott Morrison deflects US pressure for Australia to weigh in on China-Taiwan contest in the Pacific

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has brushed aside American calls for Australia to weigh into the diplomatic contest between China and Taiwan in the Pacific. Key points: Mr Morrison says Australia will not exert any pressure on Solomon Islands over China He denies the Coalition's Pacific step-up is driven by strategic anxiety Mr Morrison deflects questions over the climate change threat …

Fiji leader slams Liberal MP John Alexander's climate change advice
5 years, 8 months ago

Fiji leader slams Liberal MP John Alexander's climate change advice

ABC  

Fiji's Prime Minister has hit back at a Liberal MP who suggested Pacific Islanders should move to higher ground to avoid the impacts of climate change. Key points: Frank Bainimarama said John Alexander's advice would be "useless" for low-lying nations He said Australia had a moral responsibility to fight climate change He also lashed out at Kevin Rudd's "insensitive" climate …

Australia is sweltering through record-breaking heat. And the worst is yet to come
5 years, 11 months ago

Australia is sweltering through record-breaking heat. And the worst is yet to come

CNN  

CNN — Farmer Wayne Dunford was already feeling worn down. The southern city of Adelaide experienced its hottest day on record on January 24, reaching 46.6 C. On Friday, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology announced it had been the country’s hottest January on record, describing the weather as “unprecedented.” In temperatures above 40 C the human body begins to experience heat …

Climate change is 'no laughing matter', Fiji's PM Frank Bainimarama tells Australia during Scott Morrison's Pacific trip
5 years, 11 months ago

Climate change is 'no laughing matter', Fiji's PM Frank Bainimarama tells Australia during Scott Morrison's Pacific trip

ABC  

Climate change is "no laughing matter" and poses an "enormous" threat to Fijians and Pacific Islanders, Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has warned Australia. Key points: In the same speech, Frank Bainimarama lavished praise on Mr Morrison for his "Pacific step-up" Scott Morrison has promised Australia will not neglect the Pacific Fiji and Australia have committed to a "family partnership" …

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