Australia faced strong criticism from Pacific nations at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa for its lack of decisive action on climate change, which endangers smaller, more vulnerable nations.

Report Highlights Carbon Emissions from Wealthy Nations

A new report published today revealed that Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are responsible for the majority of carbon emissions within the Commonwealth, even though these countries make up only six percent of the group’s population. The report, prepared by the “Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative,” pointed out that Australia’s fossil fuel exports rank second globally, behind Russia, and that the country has the largest pipeline of coal export projects awaiting approval.

Pacific Nations Demand Action

Pacific nations, particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and natural disasters caused by climate change, have called on wealthier countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK to reduce their coal and gas production. Tuvalu’s Interior Minister, Maina Fakafua Talia, expressed grave concern, stating, “The continued opening of new fossil fuel projects by larger nations is a death sentence for us.” He emphasized the need for the Commonwealth to work together to uphold the Paris climate commitments and limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Australia’s Response

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, attending the meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, assured that Australia has improved its climate action under the current government. She emphasized that Australia is transitioning its economy toward renewable energy and collaborating with other nations. “We fully understand the severity of the situation, which is why we are accelerating the shift in global energy supplies,” Wong said.

Notable Absences at the Meeting

Although British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles III were present at the meeting, some prominent leaders were absent, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who opted to attend a meeting in Russia with President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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