Coal comfort: Pacific islands on collision course with Australia over emissions

Wesley Morgan

doi:10.24135/pjr.v23i1.311

Wesley Morgan University of the South Pacific

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v23i1.311

Keywords: Adani, climate change, climate negotiations, coal, COP23, energy, Fiji, Pacific Islands

Abstract

Commentary: During 2017, Fiji is president of negotiations under the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is the first time the talks have been headed by a small island developing country, and Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama plans to use the 23rd Conference of Parties to highlight the impacts of climate change on island states. Even as Pacific island leaders demand greater action to reduce emissions, the Australian government is supporting new coal mines at home and a dramatic increase in coal exports. This commentary focuses on Pacific leadership in the global fight to avoid catastrophic changes to the climate system. It suggests determined diplomacy by island states may help shift international opinion in favour of urgent action to reduce emissions. However, Pacific states must first shine a spotlight on their recalcitrant neighbour, and avoid being silenced by Australian ‘climate diplomacy’.

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Author Biography

Wesley Morgan, University of the South Pacific

Lecturer, Politics and International Affairs
School of Government, Development and International Affairs
University of the South Pacific
Ph: +679 3231924

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