Australia's fossil fuel expansion 'doesn't align' with Pacific climate position - ABC Pacific - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

As Pre-COP enters its second day in both Fiji and Tuvalu, Pacific climate advocates demand Australia to "break this addiction" with the fossil fuel industry if they want to demonstrate genuine climate leadership. 

Global leaders have gathered in the two Pacific nations for talks ahead of next month's United Nations COP31 climate summit in Türkiye. 

Speaking to Nesia Daily from Nadi, 350.org Pacific's Drue Slatter-Lilidamu said Pacific leaders have very clear priorities for these discussions: keeping global warming below 1.5C, improving access to climate financing, protecting the ocean, and ensuring Pacific voices are represented in decision-making.

"We're the last line of defence. If the Pacific falls, there's no one standing behind us when the climate crisis comes knocking on the rest of the world's door."

Against that backdrop, Australia's position as a climate partner to the region is facing scrutiny, with the Albanese government drawing criticism from Pacific leaders over its continued approval of new fossil fuel projects.

"You don't come into a room and listen to our stories and tell us you care about them, and then leave the room and go and sign the approval for a coal mine. It just doesn't align," Drue stated. 

"The Australian government needs to finally step up to the mantle they've been given as COP31 President of Negotiations and break this addiction with the fossil fuel industry and filling the pockets of coal and gas executives."

Pacific climate advocates are making their expectations clear at the Pre-COP Meeting in Fiji, and demand a phase out of fossil fuels.(Image: 350.org Pacific / Dylan Kava)