A New report launched at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa reveals the stark imbalance in fossil fuel extraction across the Commonwealth and highlights the dominance of three wealthy nations—Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom—in driving fossil fuel expansion and emissions.
The report Uncommon Wealth: Fossil Fuel Expansion in the Commonwealth Dominated by Three Wealthy Countries - was commissioned by the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative and based on data from the Global Registry of Fossil Fuels.
It shows that despite representing only 6% of the Commonwealth’s population, Australia, Canada, and the UK are responsible for over 60% of emissions generated from extraction across Commonwealth countries since 1990.
Outcomes: Samoa Communique | Ocean Declaration |
King Charles on Climate Action | CANi & PICAN Briefing Note |
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese | Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Uncommon Wealth: Fossil Fuel Expansion in the Commonwealth
For new fossil fuel projects, oil and gas projects under development, with upper- and upper-middle-income Commonwealth countries accounting for over 70% of emissions in new projects. This is consistent with economic trends globally.
However, the wealthiest Commonwealth countries are the least dependent upon economic rents generated from the extraction of fossil fuels, with rents in the UK, Australia and Canada representing less than 2% of GDP compared to Commonwealth countries that have contributed far less to climate change as a result of fossil fuel extraction but face greater economic challenges due to their higher dependence on oil rents, e.g. 5% in Malaysia, 7% in Nigeria and Papua New Guinea, and 11% in Trinidad and Tobago.
Pacific leaders launched the report at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa earlier today.
The Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon Feleti Teo, did not mince his words when he called these fossil fuel expansion plans a "death sentence."
The report contains Fossil fuel snapshots of Australia, Canada, UK, India, Nigeria and South Africa.
The report's conclusion:
Under the Paris Agreement, Commonwealth states have pledged to aim to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In 2023, at COP28 in Dubai, states also agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels”, reiterating this commitment in 2024 at the UN General Assembly's Summit of the Future.
Despite these pledges, commitments, and growing rhetoric, the fossil fuel production plans of Commonwealth countries appear inconsistent with the pledge to limit warming to 1.5C. Of these plans, three countries—Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom—have not only historically accounted for the majority of the group of nations' emissions but continue to dominate current and planned production of fossil fuels.
The wealthiest Commonwealth countries have and continue to benefit the most from coal, oil and gas developments but can also most easily absorb reductions in fossil fuel production.
To display a true commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and seek a safe and liveable future for the nations within the Commonwealth that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, in particular the Commonwealth’s Small States, these three nations must urgently align their fossil fuel production with a 1.5C pathway, including ending the expansion of new coal, oil and gas extraction.
Read the report.
Hon. Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Home Affairs, Environment and Climate Change, Tuvalu, said,”As Tuvalu and other small island states are drowning under the impact of rising seas, it is a death sentence for us if larger nations continue to open new fossil fuel projects. As a Commonwealth family, we must work together to keep our Paris commitments of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees alive and lead in financing a fair transition for countries like ours. We call on our wealthier partners to align themselves with this goal and not fan the flames of the climate crisis with fossil fuel expansion.”
Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment of Vanuatu, said, “The science and the position of Pacific governments is clear: we need to end fossil fuel expansion and support us in transitioning to a Fossil Fuel-Free Pacific. This is why Vanuatu was the first country to call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, so that we can manage a fast and fair global transition away from fossil fuels. We call on these nations to stand with us and not sacrifice the future of vulnerable nations for short-term gains. As a Commonwealth family, we look to those that dominate fossil fuel production in the Commonwealth to stop the expansion of fossil fuels in order to protect what we love and hold dear here in the Pacific.”
Kumi Naidoo, President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said, “Australia, Canada and the UK are quick to claim to be climate leaders, yet they refuse to curb their own fossil fuel expansion while leaving poorer nations to foot the bill for the crisis. Our Uncommon Wealth report shows that these three countries have historically benefited the most from fossil fuels. They owe it to the rest of the Commonwealth to support and finance a fast and fair transition away from coal, oil and gas. We need a global plan to end this reckless behaviour – which is why many Commonwealth states are spearheading the push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to secure a fair and sustainable future for all."
News timeline
Final Leaders Statement and Communique
The final leaders meeting on 26 October also released a 16 page Leaders’ Statement and Samoa Communique. (The Commonwealth) Leaders Statement Paragraph 11 states (PDF):
11. We adopted the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future and highlighted the strong affirmation of action to address sea-level rise. We underlined that the existential nature of the climate crisis remains a critical priority for our Commonwealth family and recommitted to the goal of limiting global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement and its target of 1.5C. We noted the importance of our oceans, forests and biodiversity. We affirmed our commitment to achieving food and energy security for our people.
The Communique outlined a commitment to resilient societies, resilient democratic institutions, resilient environment and resilient economies. This included 12 paragraphs related to climate and environment stressing:
- Conservation and restoration of ecosystems: Heads acknowledged that the survival of our ecosystems depends on our effective, inclusive, sustainable and comprehensive management of our natural environment and on the urgent tackling of climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, harmful chemicals and all forms of pollution including support for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention of Biological Diversity, in particular Targets 2 and 3 on protecting and restoring thirty per cent of the planet’s lands and ocean by 2030. Heads recognised the need for our natural capital to be valued as an asset, as well as the importance and interconnectedness between resilient environments, economies and societies for our collective well-being.
- Concern with climate impacts: Heads remain concerned with the severe consequences of the climate crisis, including rising temperatures and sea levels, which negatively impact marine and coastal ecosystems, desertification and land degradation, and the increasing frequency and severity of related disruptive weather events, which impact our Commonwealth Aiga, in particular developing countries, SIDS and LDCs, Indigenous Peoples and local communities on the frontline of climate change. Heads recommitted to urgent, ambitious and collective climate action and mitigation and recognised that this requires accelerated action in this critical decade...
- Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Heads also recommitted to phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions as soon as possible,
- Emission Reduction Targets: the need for ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets covering all greenhouse gases, sectors, and categories, aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as informed by the latest science and the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake,
- Energy Transition: The importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, accelerating action during this critical decade to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050,
- Adaptation and Resilience: welcomed the United Arab Emirates Framework (UAE) Framework for Global Climate Resilience to guide the achievement of the Global Goal on Adaptation agreed at UNFCCC COP28. Heads underscored the importance of scaling up and improving access to finance for adaptation and resilience from a wide variety of sources.
- Climate Finance and New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): Importance of the UNFCCC COP 29 for scaling up climate action, ambition and financing, and of the agreement on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, prior to 2025, from a floor of USD 100 billion per year.
- Triple Renewable Energy Target: the need to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and are committed, where possible, to making efforts towards collaborating in the development, and voluntary and mutually agreed transfer of affordable low-emission technologies.
- Sea Level Rise and Human rights: Heads emphasised the serious and irreversible threats and adverse impacts of climate change-related sea-level rise, and the fundamental need to secure the rights, entitlements, and interests of all states and people of the Commonwealth.
- Importance of addressing climate change through a human rights framework: Heads further stressed the importance of taking climate action in a manner that is equitable, inclusive and respects, promotes and considers their respective obligations on human rights. Heads acknowledged and noted the ongoing process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with respect to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/276, adopted by consensus requesting the ICJ to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
- Development of Natural Resources: Heads noted that one third of small states and half of LDCs are resource dependent which contributes to economic vulnerability and potential debt distress. Noting the importance of critical minerals for the clean energy transition, Heads renewed their commitment to support members in the sustainable use and equitable development of natural resources.
- Ocean Declaration: Heads adopted the landmark 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, which reaffirms their commitment to the Commonwealth Blue Charter, and the underlying critical role of the ocean to life on our planet as called for in SDG 14.
- Hosting COP31: Heads welcomed Australia’s proposal to host the UNFCCC COP 31 in partnership with Pacific Island countries.
Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Future
26 October - Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for "One Resilient Common Future" adopted, calling on all 56 Commonwealth nations to protect and restore the ocean in the face of severe climate change, pollution and impacts related to over-exploitation. (The Commonwealth)
Key aspects of the 7 page declaration include:
- recognition of national maritime boundaries in the face of sea-level rise
- protection of at least 30 per cent of the ocean and restoring at least 30 per cent of degraded marine ecosystems by 2030
- urgent finalisation of the Global Plastics Treaty
- ratification of the high-seas biodiversity Agreement on Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (known as the BBNJ Agreement)
- development and implementation of coastal climate adaption plans and strategies, including vulnerability assessments and nature-based solutions, such as blue carbon
- stepped up support for a sustainable blue economy with sustainable ocean plans, recognising the need for 100 per cent management of national waters
- reduction of emissions from global maritime shipping
- enhanced marine renewable energy targets to meet the global climate goal of tripling renewable energy capacity, agreed as part of the UNFCCC Global Stocktake in Dubai last year.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, the Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, welcomed the agreement, saying: "The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future must be a line in the sand from which the world collectively transforms ocean exploitation into protection and sustainable stewardship. We look forward to moving from words to action!”
The declaration comes as the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 meets in Cali, Columbia. A new report argues that Targets to save 30% of the ocean by 2030 aren’t being met. (The Conversation)
Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Exeter, highlights at The Converrsation that:
This October, Australia expanded the sub-Antarctic Heard and MacDonald Islands MPA, leading its environment minister to declare that with 52% of Australia’s waters protected, it had far exceeded 30x30. This and other huge offshore protected areas hide the fact that only 15% of coastal seas around the main Australian landmass are protected. Much of it is still open to industrial fishing and oil and gas production.
26 October - Resources Minister Madeleine King Selling Australian Gas expansion in Japan while Prime Minister pacifies Island Nations facing Sea Level Rise existential threat (Climate Citizen)
Anthony Albanese in Samoa
25 October - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Press Conference in Samoa. A number of questions on climate change (Foreign Minister)
A question on curbing fossil fuel expansion...
Journalist: Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu has said that Australia is not doing enough to curb fossil fuel emissions. What do you say to that?
Prime Minister: Well, I had positive discussions with Prime Minister Teo and other Pacific leaders here. They recognise that the challenge of climate change doesn't mean that you can just flick a switch and act immediately. We need to make sure that energy security is prioritised in order to make sure that we have that support going forward. But we've worked very closely with our Falepili agreement with Tuvalu. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu was in Perth recently as well to pick up the vessel which will provide support there in Tuvalu. And I must say that the feedback I've had from Pacific leaders has been very welcoming of Australia's leadership here in the Pacific when it comes to climate action.
There was a question on that pesky Climate Security ONI report and why it shouldn't be made public with more evasion by the Prime Minister...
Journalist: Prime Minister, just briefly back on climate change, if that's all right. The King also spoke about the way that climate change could fuel social division and inequalities between nations. Is this something the Government's examined in our own region, as temperatures rise and as natural calamities increase, the way that, for example, water shortages or other problems could fuel conflicts between countries, and given the ONA has done some assessment on this, ONI rather, sorry. Why should that assessment not be made public to the Australian people?
Prime Minister: Because ONI that's the job that it does so, I think with respect Stephen, you know the answer to why intelligent briefings are just that. But we know as well, it is no secret, and the Australian Government has made information available. That is one of the contexts of the discussions that take place at places like the Pacific Island Forum and indeed, CHOGM here, as well as bilateral visits. We've had visits, if you speak about the region, from the leaders of Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga, a range of countries in our region, Fiji too, since I've been Prime Minister, it's always front and centre. And there is an equity aspect to climate change because of its impact is not even across the board, and so it is part of the context of the debate is making sure that Australia and those countries that, of course, are largely responsible for the emissions which are there, have a greater responsibility to act. That's something that's been recognised in, that's part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. We need to act together as the world. And I think that was a theme of, Commonwealth essentially means common good, and it is something that was a theme of His Majesty's speech. And I think it was a very fine speech, which will be well received by Commonwealth nations.
A question on the Ocean declaration which Albanese diverted onto Pacific Policing initiative...
Journalist: If the ocean declaration is signed tomorrow what would Australia's commitment be?
Prime Minister: Well, I'm not going to pre-empt the processes. I'm hoping to end this press conference so that I can go to, the sessions haven't begun yet, they begin this afternoon... (Prime Minister then went into detail on the Pacific Policing Initiative)
25 October - UK-Australia Bilateral: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in person for the first time the UK Prime M inister Keir Starmer and agreed to step up cooperation on climate and energy. The Albanese media release states in part: (PM Gov AU)
To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries.
The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.
The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.
The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation.
King Charles opens CHOGM highlighting climate action
25 October - King Charles opens CHOGM, including calling the Commonwealth to address climate change. (The Commonwealth)
Excerpt of Opening speech regarding comments on climate action:
A further urgent challenge - and one that conditions all other challenges, as I have done my best to emphasize for many years, is the existential threat of climate change. I have spoken with many of you in the recent past, and I now find that climate change is raised as a primary concern, again and again. We are well past believing it is a problem for the future, since it is already, already undermining the development gains we have long fought for. This year alone, we have seen terrifying storms in the Caribbean, devastating flooding in East Africa and catastrophic wildfires in Canada. Lives, livelihoods and human rights are at risk across the Commonwealth.
I can only offer every encouragement for action, with unequivocal determination, to arrest rising temperatures by cutting emissions, building resilience as far as possible to both the current and forecast impacts of climate change, and conserving and restoring Nature both on land and in the sea. If we do not, then inequalities across the Commonwealth, and beyond, will only be exacerbated with the potential to fuel division and conflict.
Over many years it has become clear to me that public finance, while crucial, will never be sufficient on its own to tackle all of this – let alone achieve any of the United Nations Development Goals – especially in the timeframes required. The Commonwealth, therefore, has an opportunity to work together with the private sector and civil society to unlock private sector capital for this mission and, in so doing, promote trade and investment, and opportunities for young people.
I was encouraged to hear yesterday from leading members of the private sector that they recognized their ability and, indeed, their responsibility to aid and invest in climate transition, in resilience and in Nature restoration. I do hope that in your conversations you are able to answer some of the key questions to achieve this aim - from how to address barriers to investment; to agreeing upon routes to use public finance to encourage private investment; and, crucially, how public-private-civil society partnerships can be forged so that such arrangements are fair and transparent for all.
If, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Commonwealth can succeed with this endeavour, then it will be an indispensable example to the rest of the world.
PICAN call for climate action
24 October - Climate Action Network Commonwealth nodes lead by Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) issue a Briefing Note statement calling for 6 major actions from CHOGM.
The Briefing Note calls for true Commonwealth Solidarity calling for immediate action on climate justice, equity, and accountability urging Commonwealth leaders to confront the shared history of colonialism and work collectively toward a resilient and just common future. It has 6 essential asks:
1. CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE VULNERABLE
- Climate justice is not just about supporting vulnerable nations globally but acknowledging that they have been made vulnerable as a result of the actions of others, and by addressing systemic inequalities within developed Commonwealth countries.
- Developed Commonwealth nations must confront their own legacies of injustice, particularly the treatment of Indigenous and First Nations peoples, who have long been marginalised and exploited. Addressing these historical wrongs is essential to building a more just and equitable society.
- Governments must implement meaningful policies that prioritise the needs and rights of Indigenous and marginalised communities. This includes supporting their leadership in climate action, protecting their lands, and ensuring access to resources that can help them build resilience in the face of climate change, noting that they are the drivers of transformative change.
2. ADDRESSING THE LEGACY OF COLONIALISM THROUGH CLIMATE ACTION
- The Commonwealth’s history of colonialism has left deep sorrow filled scars, with former colonies often being the most climate-vulnerable today. This legacy must not be ignored in the conversation around climate action.
- Developed Commonwealth nations, whose wealth was built on the exploitation of colonised countries, must lead in funding and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the developing world. The moral wrongs of colonialism cannot be covered over by symbolic gestures; they require restorative justice, which includes real, tangible reparative action.
- The Commonwealth should support a climate just New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance to be agreed at the climate conference, COP29 in Baku in November 2024. In listening to the demands of developing Commonwealth countries, this would see developed countries contribute significantly to climate finance to enable countries made vulnerable by climate change to take the necessary action across all the three pillars of climate action — Mitigation, Adaptation, and Loss and Damage.
3. EQUITY WITHIN AND ACROSS COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES
- Justice and equity must be at the heart of climate action, both within countries and across the Commonwealth as a whole.
- Developed Commonwealth nations must ensure that their own economic and social policies address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalised communities within their borders, while also supporting countries that have been made vulnerable globally. This is not just an external issue; internal inequities must be addressed as well.
- Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which have historically marginalised their Indigenous populations, must prioritise their inclusion in climate decision-making processes. This can be done through co-management of resources, recognition of Indigenous land rights.
- Of course the responsibility of the UK, in its treatment of indigenous people in the lands it took cannot be overstated.
- Developed Commonwealth nations should also provide support to developing countries with the means of implementation including finance, capacity building and technology transfer to become climate resilient nations with decarbonised economies.
- As finance is a critical catalyst for climate action, developed Commonwealth countries have a clear opportunity to show solidarity with the remaining majority of Commonwealth countries who have outlined clearly their vision for the UNFCCC NCQG. This includes: the need for new, additional, predictable, adequate climate finance delivered through public finance provision predominantly as grants from developed to developing countries for mitigation, adaptation and addressing Loss and Damage. Climate finance cannot exacerbate the growing debt burden of developing countries and should align with human rights and the principle of polluter-pays.
These demands which have been articulated through negotiating blocs and groupings like the G77 and China are grounded in equity and justice.
- The Commonwealth and developed Commonwealth countries must build on their existing work in debt management and transparency by advancing climate-resilient debt mechanisms, leveraging their expertise to create pathways for sustainable finance that integrates climate action for countries made vulnerable by climate change. This includes adopting solutions like debt cancellation and expanding the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub to address the financial needs of climate-vulnerable nations.
4. RECOGNIZING CLIMATE CHANGE AS THE GREATEST ECONOMIC AND SECURITY THREAT TO THE COMMONWEALTH
- The 2023 Christian Aid paper highlights the catastrophic economic losses that Commonwealth countries face due to climate change. Thirteen countries, including Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, are projected to experience GDP reductions of over 20% by 2050 if current climate policies persist.
- The Commonwealth must officially recognize climate change as the single greatest security threat to its members. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and economic instability are creating conditions that threaten peace and security across the globe. This requires climate-resilient pathways for thriving communities for current and future generations, not increased militarization—especially as military spending and emissions worsen the crisis. By implementing adaptation, disaster preparedness, responding to loss and damage, and investing in sustainable economies, the Commonwealth can lead with a focus on human security and climate justice
- The Commonwealth, as the second largest international grouping of states after the United Nations should lead on the basis of human security and climate justice in global forums, including the UN Security Council. A coordinated effort is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and enable nations to thrive in spite of climate change through adaptation and by addressing loss and damage, with developed nations providing the resources needed. A significant first step is to ensure that Loss and Damage is recognised as the third pillar of climate action alongside mitigation and adaptation with a dedicated subgoal in the NCQG.
5. ENDING FOSSIL FUEL PRODUCTION AND EXPANSION IN DEVELOPED NATIONS FIRST ENABLING OTHERS TO RAPIDLY FOLLOW SUIT
- Developed Commonwealth countries need to immediately end expansion to avoid breaching the 1.5oC temperature limit. Developed countries need to phase out existing production first and facilitate others to do so through quality grants and grant-based finance in a manner that ensures no one is left behind. These nations have the resources and capacity to lead the way, setting a powerful example for the rest of the world, whilst also enabling them to rapidly follow suit through finance and technology transfer
- Developed Commonwealth countries should submit clear timelines for the end of production and expansion in their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — encouraging all developed countries to do the same, by example.
6. RESILIENT SOCIETIES THROUGH EMPOWERMENT AND INCLUSIVITY
- Building resilient societies requires the empowerment of marginalised communities, particularly women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQIIA+ communities, the displaced, and older people.
- Commonwealth nations must prioritise policies that empower all citizens to participate fully in climate action. This includes addressing gender inequality, providing education and employment opportunities, and ensuring access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare, and food security.
- Commonwealth leaders should work with local communities to develop inclusive and equitable climate strategies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the most vulnerable. This will not only strengthen social resilience but also create more just and sustainable societies.:
24 October - ABC News reports Pacific nations pressure Australia, UK and Canada over climate record (ABC News)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is attending CHOGM and will meet with a host of leaders from across its 56 member nations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong pressed on fossil fuel exports
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is also attending and said on Thursday morning that Australia was transitioning its economy to net zero. "Australia has to reduce its emissions, but the whole world — if we are going to combat sea level rise, temperature rising — the whole world will have to peak and reduce emissions," she said.
Here is a transcript excerpt from the interview with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, TV interview, ABC News Breakfast with Bridget Brennan:
Brennan: You must be cognisant that they're pressing Australia to end fossil fuel exports. Are we listening?
Foreign Minister: Well, look, I have spent the last two and a half years or two and a bit years travelling through the Pacific. I've visited every Pacific Island Forum member, I am acutely aware, as is the Prime Minister and our whole Government, of what climate change is here in the Pacific.
You know, you might recall Peter Dutton made a joke about water lapping at people's doors. Well, we are with them, working with them on how we increase climate resilience, climate adaptation. We have the groundbreaking treaty with Tuvalu which enables mobility with dignity, and also, we have legislated very ambitious targets.
Brennan: So then how do we explain our decision to enable the expansion of coal mines, for example, to countries where they're seeing the water rising very quickly?
Foreign Minister: Well, it is the case that we have to transition our economy, and we will do that; we are doing that. That is a big task. When we came to government, I think some 30 per cent of our electricity was from renewable sources, and obviously our target is 82 per cent by 2030. That's a very big turnaround, and we're well on the way to doing that.
But I would make this point: the whole world needs to work to reduce our emissions. The majority of new, the vast majority of new coalfired power is in developing countries, as it is in China. Australia has to reduce its emissions, but the whole world, if we are going to combat sea level rise, temperature rising, the whole world will have to peak and reduce emissions.
24 October - Analysis of climate as main issue at CHOGM by Liam Moore, Lecturer in International Politics and Policy, James Cook University. ‘We will not allow others to determine our fate’: Pacific nations dial up pressure on Australia’s fossil fuel exports (The Conversation)
23 October - Climate Change at top of CHOGM agenda. Interview with ABC foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic who highlights that climate change is top of the agenda. Also discusses the need for climate finance, colonial reparations, and impact of Senator Lidia Thorpe actions in Australia.
The associated ABC online story: Excitement in Samoa as King Charles III and other world leaders fly in for CHOGM
23 October: In the lead up to COP29 in Baku, Commonwealth leaders and climate experts call for additional climate finance (The Commonwealth)
23 October: Apia Ocean Declaration to be ‘crown jewel’ of CHOGM climate ‘fight back’ (Asia Pacific Report)
References
Fossil Fuel Treaty, 24 October 2024, Uncommon Wealth: Fossil Fuel Expansion in the Commonwealth Dominated by Three Wealthy Countries, https://fossilfueltreaty.org/chogm-report
Transcript Of Interview with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, TV interview, ABC News Breakfast with Bridget Brennan, 24 October 2024, https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/transcript/tv-interview-abc-news-breakfast-bridget-brennan
Foreign Minister Media Statement. Joint press conference - Apia, Samoa. Joint media release with:the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister, 25 October 2024 https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/joint-press-conference-apia-samoa
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