Jakarta – Oxfam has applauded the recent acknowledgement by Pacific leaders that addressing the climate crisis necessitates a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, the organisation said in a statement. However, the Oxfam emphasises the need for clear timeframes and science-based targets to meet the urgent demands of the Asia Pacific region.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said: “The reluctance to commit to a timetable for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels means that leaders are still not serious about staying within 1.5 degrees of warming, with the lives and cultures of so many people across the Pacific threatened as a result”.
The Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting was held on November 6-10 in the Cook Islands. Pacific Island communities called for Australia to dramatically increase climate finance, end fossil fuel subsidies and commit to a just transition to a fossil fuel-free Pacific.
Oxfam’s recent report, titled ‘If you break it, fix it: Australia’s global obligations for a just climate transition,’ reveals that Australia’s spending on domestic climate action is six times greater than its support for global initiatives, failing to meet its responsibilities to aid developing countries like the Pacific in addressing the repercussions of climate change.
Morgain raises concerns about potential pressure from fossil fuel producers on Pacific countries and the Australian and New Zealand Governments to temper demands for a swift transition. While acknowledging Australia’s commitments to climate funds, Oxfam urges clarity on the actual contribution, highlighting the importance of Australia meeting its fair share, estimated at AUD 4 billion annually.
Oxfam’s analysis reveals that Australia’s current AUD 2 billion commitment falls short of its fair contribution, emphasising the need to redirect the annual AUD 11 billion spent on fossil fuel subsidies. Australia, a significant per capita emitter, faces criticism for not shouldering its responsibility in the global fight against climate change.
In New Zealand, Oxfam expresses concern over potential plans to reopen offshore exploration for oil and fossil gas. The move, inconsistent with Pacific Governments’ commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, highlights the need for a managed decline of fossil fuel production in favour of renewable energy and clean industries.
As echoed by Oxfam, Pacific civil society calls on Australia and New Zealand to stand against the fossil fuel industry. The plea extends to political leaders taking a bold stance at COP28 in Dubai for a global end to fossil fuel production. Additionally, Oxfam stresses the importance of funding mechanisms directly benefiting Pacific local communities, raising questions about the efficacy of announced funds like the Green Climate Fund and the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership.
Australia and New Zealand face mounting pressure to increase funding and demonstrate commitment to climate action in the Pacific. The urgency is underscored by the disproportionately severe climate impacts on Pacific communities, urging both nations to translate rhetoric into concrete, courageous leadership. (nsh)
