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Climate change – Government misses an opportunity
ACFID Media Release
15 December 2008
Release 20/08
Climate change – Government misses an opportunity
The Federal Government has missed an important opportunity in the White Paper to demonstrate its commitment to assisting Australia’s neighbouring countries to address climate change.
“While this Government has taken some positive steps to date, it is disappointing that no portion of its large revenue stream from the Carbon Pollution Emissions Scheme has been set aside for assistance to our poor neighbour countries under threat of climate change”, said Paul O’Callaghan, Executive Director of ACFID.
“Yet, Professor Garnaut reported in June and September this year that our developing neighbour countries are among the most vulnerable states to any global temperature increases. Significant investment is needed to assist these countries to address their huge challenges, ranging from extended drought and rising sea levels to threats to tourism and fisheries as sustainable industries,” he said.
“Given the scale of revenue to be created through the proposed scheme, Australia should contribute more substantially through a targeted fund for Pacific Island countries and other countries in the region likely to be most impacted,” he said.
“Australia must assist those countries to address human displacement due to climate change; estimates predict that 50 million, and possibly up to one billion, people will be forced to move because of climate change impacts. Also, more significant Australian funding would help our Pacific neighbours to develop low emission technologies and mitigation strategies that fit their needs and requirements”, he said.
For further information, contact:
Paul O’Callaghan
Executive Director
Ph: 0434 142 069
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