Greenpeace calls for climate action, not empty rhetoric, as Pacific Leaders’ Forum kicks off in Tonga

SYDNEY / TONGA, Monday 26 August 2024 — as the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum kicks off today in Tonga, Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the Albanese government to genuinely respond to the needs of Pacific island nations by increasing its ambition on climate finance and fossil fuels.

Over the coming week, leaders of the Forum’s 18 member countries – including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – will discuss critical issues facing the region including development, security, funding and climate change — the single greatest threat facing Pacific Islanders and host country Tonga. Climate policy will be high on the agenda as countries shape up their pathway to fulfil their international obligations ahead of COP29 in November. 

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, who is attending the Forum said: “In Dubai last year, Australia stood alongside its Pacific family and committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels but since then, it has continued to  greenlight new coal, oil and gas projects and commit billions of taxpayer dollars to subsidising this polluting industry.”

“As the third largest fossil fuel exporter in the world, Australia shares responsibility for the accelerating climate damage impacting Pacific nations and climate-vulnerable communities around the world. To be a true friend of the Pacific, the Australian government must genuinely respond to Pacific needs by committing to more ambitious climate policies. 

“It is critical that we strive for a finance goal at COP29 that is fit-for-purpose for our most impacted communities, including the Pacific, and takes into account the special circumstances of the small island developing states. This includes the three pillars needed for climate justice — mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage.

“Unless Australia makes fair contributions to the Loss and Damage fund, helping to pay for the climate damage it has helped create, it is shirking its international climate finance obligations.

“The Australian government must also listen to the growing chorus of Pacific nations standing against deep sea mining in our waters. Pacific nations have a long and proud legacy of ocean custodianship, which is being eroded by the threat of this destructive new industry. We ask the Australian government to support a moratorium and stand firmly against those seeking to plunder our Moana for profit.”

—ENDS—

Images available here

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]