Friends of the Earth Brisbane

Media alert – 14th October, 2006

Climate justice for our Pacific neighbours

Today Pacific Islanders living in Brisbane are attending a forum to challenge the Howard government’s failure to address climate change and the issue of ‘climate refugees’ forced to flee from their sinking homelands.

Pacific island nations are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with some nations like the tiny island nation of Tuvalu likely to become uninhabitable in the next 10 years as a result of rising sea levels. Rising seas are already causing some Pacific Islanders to leave their homes and relocate, becoming some of the world’s first ‘climate refugees’.

“One of the islands in Tuvalu has already disappeared. I know Tuvalu will be one of the first countries to sink and I want the Australian government to do something about it” says Emily Clements, a Tuvaluan who is now living in Brisbane.

“Australia, as one of the greatest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, is disproportionately responsible for climate change. We therefore have a responsibility to our Pacific neighbours to assist them when they are faced with internal displacement and also in accepting those whose countries will become uninhabitable. However, at present there is no legal recognition for these people, internationally nor in Australia.” says Friends of the Earth’s climate justice spokesperson, Emma Brindal.

“For most Pacific Islanders, leaving their homeland is the last thing they want to do. But for some, there will be no choice.” says Ms Brindal.

Members of Brisbane’s Tongan and Tuvaluan communities will be attending the forum to discuss what is happening in their countries. Senator Claire Moore will also address the forum and discuss the Labor Party’s proposed policies on climate change and the Pacific, including recognising and accepting climate refugees in Australia.

The forum is being held today, Saturday 14 October 2006 from 2pm-4pm
at Trinity Place (meeting hall), Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Hawthorne St, Woolloongabba.

For more information:

Friends of the Earth: Emma Brindal

Ph: 0411 084 727

Available for interview: Emily (Foga) Clements ph: 0406 167 830