Island Nations: Australia and Climate-Skeptic Leader

island nations: Smaller members of the 18-nation grouping have been sharply critical of Australia's climate policies ahead of this year's summit amid a diplomatic push from Canberra to counter China's growing power in the region, according to The Japan Times. High-level representatives from the likes of Tuvalu, Palau and Vanuatu have criticized Australia for not doing enough, with Fiji's Frank Bainimarama saying Canberra's reliance on coal poses an existential threat to low-lying islands. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funding, drawn from Australia's existing international aid budget, would help Pacific island nations invest in renewable energy and climate change resilience. ; The climate-skeptic leader made the announcement before traveling to the Pacific Islands Forum PIF in Tuvalu, where island nations threatened by rising seas have vowed to put global warming at the top of the agenda. There has also been disquiet in the Pacific that Australia recently approved the giant Adani coal mine in Queensland state. The 500 million we're investing for the Pacific's renewable energy and its climate change and disaster resilience builds on the 300 million for 2016-2020, he said in a statement. Morrison has staunchly defended Australia's climate record, insisting the country will meet its 2030 emissions reduction target set under the Paris Agreement. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.