15 December 2008
For Immediate Release
Pacific Churches thank Australia for its leadership to effectively wipe out the Pacific region
The Pacific Conference of Churches has criticised the Australian government as being gross under-
achievers amongst the developed countries setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions by 2020.
“A proposed reduction of between 5-15% in greenhouse gas emissions will not put a dent in the global
efforts to reduce the effects of climate change” said Mr Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, General Secretary of
the Pacific Conference of Churches.
“We looked to Australia as a country that has the future of the Pacific region at heart. With all the
millions of dollars of assistance to the Pacific region to address climate change, the Australian
government now places green house gas emission targets at such a level that would render this much
appreciated assistance null and void,” Mr Tevi said.
“This announcement today is inconsistent with the overall actions of the Rudd government to date on
climate change in the Pacific region.
“20-25% emissions reduction by 2020 based on 1990s level was the absolute minimum. Australia has
just outdone the minimum!”
The member churches of the Pacific Conference of Churches face increasing consequences of sea
level rise, coastal erosions, loss of cultural sites, loss of physical assets as a direct result of climate
change. The Pacific Conference of Churches is concerned about the effects of these changes on the
hope of some of our Pacific peoples and communities to remain on their islands and to retain their
dignity as a people.
“Prayers alone will not save us now, what is needed is more cooperation and concerted action
between the partner churches in Australia and the Pacific region to dialogue with the Australian
government,” said Mr Tevi.
“If no concerted action is done, our children will have to thank Australia for its leadership in
effectively wiping out parts of our Pacific region as a result of not being bold enough in global
negotiations and strong enough in national politics.”
The Pacific Conference of Churches stands in solidarity with our partner, the Uniting Church in
Australia, in their call for support. As stated by Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director of
UnitingJustice, “Australia will suffer much greater impacts from climate change than other
developed countries if quick and decisive action is not taken. It is in our interests to lead by
example”.
Mr. Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi is available for comment on: mobile: 0011 679 9925 935 or at: 0011
679 3311 277.
MEDIA RELEASE
Pacific Conference of Churches
NEWS 
