19 NOV 2025, BELÉM, BRAZIL — Pacific leaders and civil society have accused Australia of undermining regional solidarity on climate, at the launch of a campaign for a Fossil Free Pacific at COP30. The campaign brings together Pacific governments, faith leaders, artists and youth to demand a rapid and just transition from fossil fuels that delivers real benefits for frontline communities.

The launch took place at the Moana Pavilion in Belém, Brazil, where a new report — Australia vs. The Fossil Free Pacific — was also released, warning that Pacific climate leadership is being actively undercut by Australia’s weak 2035 target and ongoing approvals for coal and gas. The report argues that these decisions have left Australia increasingly isolated in a region that has chosen a fossil-free future.

Tuvalu’s Minister for Climate Change, Dr Maina Talia, said Australia cannot claim friendship while advancing fossil fuel expansion that threatens Pacific survival.

“The Pacific has been united in calling for a fossil fuel free future. For Tuvalu and our tuakoi (neighbours), this is not optional. This is survival. Australia must listen.”

The Fossil Free Pacific campaign will push for a coordinated regional effort to:

• Drive international cooperation for a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels;

• Deliver tangible benefits for frontline Pacific communities; and

• Amplify Pacific leadership and solidarity to accelerate global phase-out of coal, oil and gas.

Pacific climate advocate Selina Leem said approving new fossil fuel projects while talking up solidarity is “climate hypocrisy.”

“The Pacific has fought for 1.5°C, for loss and damage, and for the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on climate liability. Australia should be standing with us, not approving the very projects that push us closer to harm.”

The report finds that Australia regularly invokes the “rules-based international order” and the language of “Pacific family,” yet ignores clear international legal direction, including from the ICJ, that states must prevent climate harm and phase out activities that drive it. It warns that arrangements such as the Falepili Union risk weakening Pacific unity by offering symbolism instead of substance on the region’s core security threat.

The report concludes that unless Australia ends approvals for new coal and gas and backs global efforts for a just transition — including a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty — it will remain out of step with Pacific priorities and risk lasting diplomatic damage. What is at stake is not only trust, but the future of Pacific peoples and the shared stability of the region.