Australia and New Zealand fail to meet their own Pacific 'call to action'

Media Statement

6 August 2009

Cairns, AUSTRALIA. At the conclusion of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) today in Cairns, the Australia and New Zealand governments are clearly not prepared to step up to the challenge on climate change which they have claim to have agreed with Pacific Island countries, namely, strong action that will ensure the survival of the most vulnerable countries.

The 'call to action on climate change' has the vague ambition of a global long-term emissions reduction target of 50% of greenhouse gasses on 1990 levels by 2050. It totally ignores the statement by the Smaller Island States just two days prior that developed countries must reduce their emissions by 45% on 1990 levels by 2020.

“Kevin Rudd continues to dodge the scientifically verified requirement that to ensure the survival of Pacific Island states in the coming decades, Australia MUST commit to an immediate domestic emissions reduction target of at least 8 times that of the 5% target that underpins the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme,” said Wendy Flannery from Friends of the Earth Australia.

“Compared with the Pacific Island leaders climate change call just prior to the Forum, the statement from the PIF is a major disappointment,” said Wanita Limpus from the Kiribati Australia Association. “Pacific peoples need Australia and New Zealand to accept that they have an obligation to do everything necessary to ensure the survival of their neighbours, like Kiribati – not just more vague words and empty rhetoric.”

“The announcement from the PIF will not contribute to progressing an ambitious and just international agreement at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen at the end of the year,” said Stephanie Long from Friends of the Earth International. “What we have is a repetition of vague statements rather than substantive commitments required from wealthy industrialised countries to reduce their emissions and to fund adaptation for the people already in extremely vulnerable situations.”

“Even worse, Kevin Rudd and Penny Wong are using the announcement of these totally inadequate commitments on Australia's part to gain political leverage for the flawed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme which they hope to pass through the Senate in a little over a week,” said Wendy Flannery.

ENDS

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