Sydney, Dec. 1, (dpa/GNA) – A group of Pacific Island leaders on Tuesday shared an open letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, renewing calls for urgent climate action ahead of the United Nations (UN) Climate Summit.
“Pacific island nations have long been leaders in driving global progress to combat climate change,” the letter reads.
“However, Australia’s current Paris Agreement emission reduction target remains one of the weakest amongst wealthy nations.”
The political and religious leaders are calling on Morrison to follow in the footsteps of over 70 countries that have committed to achieving a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
Australia is yet to set a long-term climate goal, instead pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 26–28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
Morrison has staunchly defended the stance, despite coming under increasing international pressure, saying there “isn’t a one size fits all in terms of the commitments.”
The leaders from across the Pacific Islands say their “homelands and cultures face certain devastation from climate change.”
They want Australia to rule out using “leftover Kyoto Protocol credits” to meet its 2030 Paris Agreement target.
They have also called for increased funding for climate action initiatives and have encouraged Australia to embrace renewable energy in its Covid-19 economic recovery plan.
“As our children and grandchildren face unprecedented risks due to climate change, now is the time to stand together and work together to secure their future safety and prosperity,” the letter states.
World leaders will take part in the UN Climate Summit virtually on December 12.
GNA