With Pacific leaders increasingly outspoken about the need for developed countries like Australia to make deep cuts in Greenhouse emissions, Kevin Rudd is under increasing pressure during the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) today.
Yesterday, leaders of the ‘Small Island States’ had their meeting before todays PIF leaders meeting in Cairns. They are calling for rich countries like Australia to cut emissions by 45% in the next decade. This is in stark contrast to the weak target set by Kevin Rudd of only 5% – increasing to a possible 25% if a strong global agreement is reached.
It doesn’t bode well for a harmonious meeting today, nor for a unified communique coming out of the forum. We’ve been hearing that Rudd has been trying to bulldoze Pacific leaders into agreeing to a communique that has been unilaterally drafted by Australia, and which supports Rudd’s weak emissions reduction targets.
Greenpeace area standing with our brothers and sisters in the Pacific and encouraging them to dig their heels in. We’re taking action at the point where Rudd’s climate hypocrisy is on display – at the expanding Queensland coal export ports.
At the moment, Rudd is choosing coal over climate. On his watch, Australia is set to double coal export capacity with a massive expansion of coal ports in NSW and Queensland. It isn’t good enough.
Kevin Rudd has a moral choice. Either stand with the Pacific – or choose coal instead. Because he can’t do both.
We’re rapidly running out of time to avert a climate catastrophe. We need serious action and we need it now.
Check out the images and and live updates from the Greenpeace actions. And get involved!
