Today, ACF, the ACTU and The Climate Institute urged the Australian Government to show flexibility and build ambition in the final days of this important meeting.

“It is clear that action is being taken around the world to limit pollution, drive clean energy investments and address accelerating climate change. The international market for climate change solutions is estimated to be worth US$6 trillion and is rapidly expanding”, said Erwin Jackson, Deputy CEO of The Climate Institute.

“Negotiators in Cancún have the opportunity to strengthen global cooperation, which can further accelerate domestic efforts and open up economic opportunities and new jobs for Australia”, said Jackson.

“Our Asia Pacific neighbourhood is likely to be the hardest hit by pollution and climate change, with significant implications for our national security. An Australian focus on strengthening international action is important not only as a responsible member of our neighbourhood but also to help ensure stable and sustainable regional economic development”, said Don Henry, CEO of ACF.

We are urging the Australian Government to show flexibility and ambition in four key areas:

• Capture the progress made over the last 12 months and anchor the current pollution targets, which now cover over 80 percent of the world’s emissions, in Cancún decisions.
• Establish the agreed equitably governed fund to enable significant financial flows to developing countries to support them in reducing their economic dependence on pollution and dealing with climate change.
• Agree on a global mechanism to facilitate the protection of forests in developing countries and reduce the emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) which account for around one-fifth of global pollution.
• Commit to decent labour standards and quality jobs so that workers and their families are supported as traditional jobs become more environmentally friendly and benefit from the opportunities created by the global shift to a clean energy economy.