[Greens-Media] Climate change refugees a responsibility for Australia

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Monday 6 October 2008

Climate change refugees a responsibility for Australia

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Australia has a responsibility to support the people of Tuvalu, as a neighbouring compassionate nation.

The Tuvalu Government has appealed to Australia for assistance in relocating its population in the coming decades, due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

“Sadly, the people of Tuvalu look set to become a nation of climate change refugees as the sea water rises and laps at its communities,” she said.

“Australia has a role to play in helping its neighbour.”

Senator Hanson-Young said Australia’s wealth and carbon emissions record meant it could not shirk responsibility for the impact of climate change on neighbouring nations.

“While Pacific nations emit only 0.06 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Australia is one of the highest per capita carbon emitters in the world,” she said.

“We cannot deny Australia’s complicity in this environmental crisis that is now impacting most dramatically on those whose homeland is more vulnerable to sea level rise.

“As the wealthiest country in the Pacific, Australia holds a special responsibility to help its neighbours cope with climate change.”

Senator Hanson-Young encouraged the Federal Government to continue talks with the Tuvalu Government. 

“Whereas the Howard Government refused to acknowledge the existence of climate change refugees, the Rudd Government now has an opportunity to help others through forward thinking, as the government of New Zealand has begun to,” she said.

“Climate change refugees will continue to increase in number as the century develops. 

“Rather than deny the reality of climate change, we must seek an understanding of the Tuvaluan people’s plight and demonstrate compassion.

“Australia can lead the global community on this humanitarian issue.”

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760