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Press Release: Climate Change Australia’s Challenge: Tanya Plibersek

The National Conference of the Australian Institute of International Affairs in Canberra today heard the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, describe climate change as one of the biggest challenges for Australia, the region, and the world.

Speaking to over 350 delegates from the diplomatic, academic and business sectors, Ms Plibersek said climate change presented “undeniable risks to our country, our neighbours and the world”.

“The $5 billion Great Barrier Reef tourism industry has already felt the impacts of coral bleaching and increased frequency and severity of storms and cyclones”.

She said the UN estimated that without action, worldwide economic losses from natural disasters would double by 2030 to $200 billion each year.

“Estimates of the number of potential ‘climate refugees’ worldwide range upward from 75 million”.

The AIIA welcomed Ms Plibersek’s focus on the climate change talks in Paris in November.

She called for a global effort to meet the challenge, similar to the successful international campaigns to eradicate polio and smallpox.

“In Paris, Australia has the opportunity to push for strong and credible action on climate change. And we should. But sadly, our influence may be limited. Right now, we’re seen as a global laggard on climate change”.

“The world is perplexed that as the international community moves forwards, Australia is going backwards’.

The AIIA’s National Conference theme this year is “Australian Foreign Policy: Regional or Global”.

Contact Details

Niree Creed, Director of Communications AIIA
0418625595

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