Pacific leaders to declare 'climate emergency' in PIF statement, praise Australia's move to lift emissions reduction target
ABCAustralia 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 new Australian government's climate commitments Leaders reaffirmed "the importance of utilising existing regional mechanisms" when engaging with other countries, in an apparent reference to China's recent Pacific push The communique — endorsed by all Pacific leaders after their meeting in Suva — has not yet been published but is also set to back Vanuatu's push to secure a request from the United Nations to ask the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of climate change. It praises the Albanese government's move to lift Australia's emissions reduction target but gives only a brief mention of its push to host a United Nations climate change conference with Pacific Island nations, with Pacific leaders welcoming the idea. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the final forum communique would say that leaders welcomed Australia's renewed commitment to cutting emissions, calling it a clear endorsement of his government's position.