Pacific Nations slam Morrison over stance on climate change

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has denied Australia is a dissident at the Pacific Leaders' Forum, where climate change concerns led to a marathon meeting and a divided declaration on climate change. Island nations wanted a strong statement on climate and the phasing out of coal power, but Australia refused to unconditionally agree. Mr Morrison said his primary responsibility was to the Australian people, but his Fijian counterpart Frank Bainimarama blasted his position, tweeting "we came together in a nation that risks disappearing to the seas, but unfortunately we settled for the status quo in our communique". "Watered-down climate language has real consequences, like water-logged homes, schools, communities, and ancestral burial grounds," he tweeted. Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga also aired his displeasure with Australia, saying Mr Morrison went into the retreat determined to put his economy first, saying "you are concerned about saving your economy in Australia, but I am concerned about saving my people in Tuvalu".

from National | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/2OUivIS