Citizen’s Assembly must include neighbouring nations

Friday, July 23, 2010

World Vision Australia today urged the Gillard Government to reserve places on its proposed Climate Citizen's Assembly for nationals of neighbouring countries, such as Tuvalu and Indonesia, who are already suffering from the effects of climate change.

“Climate change knows no borders, the decisions we make in Australia on climate change will impact on the rest of the world, particularly our neighbouring countries,” World Vision CEO Tim Costello said.

“Although we support community input and involvement in how we respond to climate change, it cannot lead to us sitting on our hands while we wait for another year of consultations and reports before we take action.”

Mr Costello said despite some highlights, such as a $1 billion over 10 years to pave the way for more renewable energy, the Gillard Government’s overall policy lacked a global response.

“Australia must take strong domestic action on climate change but we must also work with the international community to ensure a fair, ambitious and binding global agreement comes into operation by the end of 2012,” he said.

“In the poor communities in many countries World Vision staff are already noticing changes like less predictable rainfall, increases in storm ferocity and salt water seeping into crops. In Australia we are also experiencing more severe weather events and prolonged drought.

“If left unchecked, climate change will cause increased food insecurity and greater hunger, increased water scarcity and lead to greater health risks from diseases like malaria.”

Recent reports from China have indicated that the country is set to begin its domestic carbon trading programs next year to help it meet its 2020 carbon intensity target, despite being under no legally binding responsibility to do so.

“China is surging ahead and showing leadership on climate change. Australia must take action to cut pollution to ensure we leave a safe place for all the world’s children.” Mr Costello said.

World Vision’s climate change election policy asks:

1. Strengthen domestic ambition and take leadership on the global stage to work with the international community to ensure that a pro-poor, fair, ambitious and binding global agreement comes into operation by the end of 2012

2. Contribute Australia’s fair share of fast-start financial commitments, honouring commitments made in Copenhagen in 2009

3. Champion a global climate fund to commence in 2013 to allow developing countries adapt to climate change and achieve low-carbon development

Ends

Tim Costello is available for media interviews. Please contact Sacha Myers, media officer, on 0457 926 018.

Media Releases, Climate change, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Climate Change, Foreign Aid, Indonesia, Julia Gillard, Tim Costello

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