Antinuclear

Australia not welcomed into “high ambition coalition” climate action group

Aust missing from climate change group, Herald Sun, 12 Dec 15 Australia has not yet been welcomed into a new “high ambition coalition” of 100 nations at major climate talks in Paris, despite claiming it had joined through the European Union.

Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony de Brum revealed the alliance of around 100 countries, including the United States, this week at the United Nations summit.

Australia was not among them and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop seemed unaware of the group when it was revealed on Wednesday.

Mr de Brum, who spearheaded the alliance, issued an open invitation to countries in Paris.

A spokeswoman for Ms Bishop on Friday confirmed Australia had been formally invited by the European Union and had accepted the invitation. However, it appears Australia hasn’t yet been welcomed into the group, the Marshall Islands hinting the country would have to prove its worth.

“We are delighted to learn of Australia’s interest and look forward to hearing what more they may be able to do to join our coalition of high ambition here in Paris,” a spokesman for Mr de Brum said.

Earlier on Friday Mr de Brum read out a list of countries that had accepted his open invitation, with Australia notably absent.

WHAT THEY WANT *Reference to limiting global warming to 1.5C (is in the text)

*Clear path towards a low-carbon future (emissions neutrality by second half of century in text)

*Five yearly updates (is in the text)

*Strong package of financial support for developing nations ($100 billion per year plus scale up after 2020 is an option in the text – could be removed) http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aust-not-yet-welcome-in-climate-alliance/news-story/f7812eb6755851c7cc8ecd71ae9ca55f

December 12, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, climate change - global warming, politics international