News

Climate change a global crisis: PM

August 18, 2019 7:28 am

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has expressed his disappointment at Australia’s failure to recognize climate change for what it is – a global crisis.

Bainimarama says he will work with Pacific Leaders to push the region’s largest carbon emitter to transition from coal to clean energy.

He adds the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu has proved invaluable.

Article continues after advertisement

“I was gravely disappointed that the language coming out of our final communique, and that Australia fails to recognize climate change for what it is — a global crisis. I along with my fellow Pacific Heads of Government, will continue to push the region’s largest carbon emitter to transition from coal to clean energy, and continue to be a voice for all climate-vulnerable peoples.”

Bainimarama says it’s clear that this year’s Forum has attracted a great deal of international media attention.

“As we sat through 12 contentious hours of debate over the language of the communique, it was refreshing to see that this is not a political issue for the climate-vulnerable nations in the room — it is a matter of survival. I leave this week feeling closer and more in harmony with my fellow island leaders, and for that alone, this PIF will prove invaluable.”

The Head of Government says it was also spectacular to experience the hospitality of Tuvalu, a nation of around 11,000 people, who poured their heart and soul into making the event a success.