SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON MARK BUTLER MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
SENATOR CLAIRE MOORE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
GREEN CLIMATE FUND
Labor is deeply concerned by substantial cuts to the Green Climate Fund in the proposed US federal budget, and calls on the Turnbull Government as a matter of urgency to persuade the US Administration to not go ahead with these cuts.
The Green Climate Fund is an important part of Australia's international development program, supporting sustainable development and adaptation in developing countries, especially among Pacific Island nations.
Significant cuts to the Green Climate Fund would undermine the Paris Agreement and have a devastating impact on international support for climate change mitigation.
As the National interest analysis of the Paris Agreement made clear "Collective global climate action under the Agreement is the most effective means of protecting Australia against the threats of climate change."
The Turnbull Government claims it supports the Paris Agreement, with the Prime Minister declaring it "a watershed, a turning point". His actions must now reflect this
As the co-chair of the Green Climate Fund Board for two consecutive years, it is imperative that Australia speak up on this issue.
The Foreign Minister herself has said "Australia is seen as a pragmatic, constructive and results focused member of the Green Climate Fund."
Labor calls on the Foreign Minister to put her words into action by taking decisive action to protect the Green Climate Find.
FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 2017
