Facing fossil fuel criticism, Albanese urges world not to overlook Pacific climate plight

Detailed summary

Climate finance and the move away from fossil fuels have dominated discussions on the opening day of the COP31 summit.

World leaders have been urged to extend a lifeline to Pacific nations under threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather at the COP31 summit in Türkiye.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued the call to action on Wednesday at the opening of the two-day World Leaders Climate Action Summit segment of the United Nations event.

Australia will lead negotiations at the annual climate talks and Albanese said it would use the opportunity to highlight the plight of its regional neighbours.

"We sought this role because we wanted to speak for the people of the world who need urgent action, including those from our Pacific family," he said.

He also called for nations to support the Pacific Resilience Facility, launched in 2025 and designed to raise $US500 million ($726 million) for climate change and adaptation projects.

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"I plead with you to join our campaign to help the nations of the Pacific to confront a climate challenge that they certainly did not create," he said.

However, climate activists and politicians have criticised Albanese for failing to directly mention fossil fuels during his speech.

Independent senator David Pocock said that, while Australia has some "good stories" to tell when it comes to adopting renewable energy, more work is needed to reduce Australia's involvement in fossil fuel projects.

Opening of the article, excerpted from SBS News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.