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Inaction on climate change could derail Pacific Islands Forum: Australian opposition

Xinhua, September 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia's federal opposition political party has warned the Australian government's failure on climate change action could derail the Pacific Islands Forum.

Climate Change has becoming an important geopolitical conflict for the region, fundamentally on the issue of who should be a part of the regional group.

Small island nations of the pacific have indicated they will walk away from the forum if Australia and New Zealand try to water down language in the group's statement on climate change in the lead up to the Paris climate talks in December.

The President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, has even suggest Australia and New Zealand be kicked out of the regional group.

"When it comes to climate change these Pacific nations are the canary in the coal mine and [Australian Prime Minister] Tony Abbott cannot ignore their cries for help," Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said on Wednesday.

Xinhua has contacted the Abbott's office for comment.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has boycotted the meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea over Australia and New Zealand's presence, instead sending his foreign minister.

The Pacific Islands wish to limit global temperature rise to 1. 5 degrees, lower than the 2 degree global consensus.

Low-lying Pacific Islands such as the Marshall Islands and Kiribati fear a 2 degree rise would compromise their survival due to rising sea levels.

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key told reporters in Port Moresby on Wednesday he will rebuff the push, saying he understood the plight of the smaller island nations but believes leaders will reach a consensus.

Forum host PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill cooled the sentiment around the forum saying the Pacific's leaders will have a healthy and constructive discussion while distancing himself from Tong's questioning of Australia's credibility on action to combat Climate Change.

"We have to respect all leaders' views, that's one view," O' Neill said

"I think (Australia) is a very strong member of the Pacific forum and we look forward to their continued participation over many many years."

The European Union's Climate Change commissioner has said while some Pacific islands are small, their voices are loud on the world stage.

"They are very active negotiators and they have a solid case... when you have commitment and passion your voice is heard," Miguel Canete said.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is due to arrive in Port Moresby later on Wednesday night.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit runs until Friday. Endi