He said that’s left many African nations struggling with droughts, flooding and migration.
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Pacific leaders have used their time on the world stage to appeal for an agreement that would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2100 – a more ambitious target than the two degrees the United Nations is pushing for.
Dr Anthony noted that emission reduction pledges that have been submitted so far indicate that the planet will warm by 2.7 degrees Celsius by the end of this century: “The devastating effects of climate change on our countries are well known and documented, yet despite irrefutable evidence and scientific data there appears to be a sinister attempt to downplay and negate the unique vulnerabilities of our stake in the outcome of COP21”.
“Some of their nations could disappear entirely and as weather patterns change, we might deal with tens of millions of climate refugees in the Asia Pacific region”, Obama said during his meeting with the group that was part of his trip to Paris for the United Nations climate summit.
“But I think, as you can understand, from our perspective even zero emissions is trouble for us”.
Mr Turnbull has often voiced his strong commitment to climate action, but has so far stuck firm with his predecessor’s policies.
Asked what would happen if the nations aren’t able to secure these objectives, Fletcher said it was “too early for us to speak of what we will do if the Paris Agreement does not address issues that are critical to the long-term survival of small island states”. “Otherwise any agreement would have no meaning for us”. With no definitive definition, the loss and damage provision seeks reparations from the industrialized countries and the largest polluters for developing nations or the small island nations in case.
Mr Tong is less than impressed with their reasoning. “That means modern, clean energy for 25 million people”.
Australian Greens senator Larissa Waters, who is in Paris, said there was a “delicious irony” in the government’s position. Fiji, New Zealand and Australia are the most popular destinations.
‘It’s a joke to say that our coal is alleviating poverty’. “Are you prepared to look at us in the face and make that decision?” “I think that’s possibly more realistic”, Mr Tong said. Some also say the increasing desperation is driving people into the extremists’ ranks.
“Pacific islanders are facing the brunt of climate change impacts and are increasingly finding themselves with few options”, he said.
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Mr Turnbull confirmed at the conference on Monday Australia would direct at least $1 billion over five years from the existing aid budget to climate finance for vulnerable nations.
