NEW Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she has a duty to address climate change on behalf of her Pacific neighbours.
Speaking during a press conference on the first day of her first official visit to Fiji yesterday, Ms Ardern said she did this every single day.
“I think probably what you have heard from Prime Minister Bainimarama is a view that New Zealand is an advocate within and globally and the suggestion that (Australian) Prime Minister (Scott) Morrison doesn’t know my view or New Zealand’s view on climate change is just wrong.”
She said NZ had always made its views about climate change very clear at forums such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
“That’s when we come together, advocate our view and that’s when we share our perspective about what’s required. So we do advocate and we have made that position very clear.
“I do want to draw distinction. We’ve always said that climate change policies for Australia are a matter for them, but as a Pacific voice, even from the last time we met at the PIF, the strongest message that we’ve seen come out from Pacific Island nations all in favour and all advocating for strong climate actions.
“And that is because of the reality. This is the region that will suffer some of the greatest effects of climate change inaction.”
Ms Ardern said New Zealand had made progress on the issue of climate change, but there was still more to do.
“I want us to continue to take action on climate change.
“Every country needs to fulfil its commitments to the Paris Accord. Every country needs to make sure that when we see sea-level rise in the Pacific, we know we have done our bit to make sure we haven’t contributed to that.”