News

International News Comment & Analysis Australian News Cultural Dissent Loose Cannons Cartoons

Archives

Browse Search

Hot Topics

Environment Workers & Unions Latin America Anti-war Art & culture Asia Region Indigenous rights

Discussions

GLW Discussions List Links Bolivia Rising Ecuador Rising LeftClick Live from Palestine

Advertising

The following ads are selected by google. For more info click here.

Pacific nations say cut emissions 45% by 2020


Simon Butler
9 August 2009


Seven of the lowest-lying pacific nations have called for global emissions cuts of 45% by 2020 to save their homelands from rising sea levels caused by global warming.

The call was made on August 5 in the lead-up to the Pacific Island Forum, held in Cairns. The nations urged Australia to do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

AAP said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told forum delegates: “Pacific island nations are among the least responsible for the causes of climate change, but they will bear the brunt of its impact the most.”

He claimed Australia would represent the interests of the Pacific Island nations at the Copenhagen conference and said Australia would help build sea-walls and with the relocation of climate refugees.

However, he refused to commit to raising Australia’s emissions cut target, which is likely to remain at a tiny 5% by 2020. Australia is the biggest greenhouse gas polluter per person in the world.

He also avoided answering questions as to whether Australia would commit to taking in displaced climate refugees from the Pacific.
LinksLinks Action in Solidarity with Asia and the Pacific Activist calendar Resistance - Australia Resistance books Socialist Alliance Venezuela Solidarity Support Green Left