Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has acknowledged Australia’s emissions history and laid out Canberra’s plan to support Pacific nations like Vanuatu in tackling climate change.
Asked how Australia plans to help small island nations address climate threats, Wong said Australia recognises its role and is taking steps to change course.
“Yes, of course, we spoke about climate, and we’re not one of the world’s largest emitters, but we are a country that has depended on fossil fuels. We have been a very emissions-intensive economy. We know that, and we have to turn that around,” she told the media in Port Vila.
She pointed to her government’s legislated targets under the Paris Agreement, and its push to rapidly expand renewable energy.
“We have to get to 82 percent of renewables by 2030. When we came to government, it was just over 20 percent. So, that gives you some sense of how much we have to do. But my state of South Australia, we’re already at 70 percent. So, we know we can do this.”
Wong stressed that while Australia is doing its part, the global climate fight requires action from all major emitters.
“If we are to hold to Paris, which is so important for the people of the Pacific, because you live climate change every day, all emitters will have to do their part.
Major emitters, whether it’s China or all developed countries, all the countries of the world will have to do their part. We cannot hold to Paris unless we all do our part. And we’re willing to do our part.”
The remarks came during Wong’s visit to Vanuatu, as part of her broader push to reinforce Australia’s regional partnerships and climate commitments in the Pacific.
