Speaking in Nadi, Albanese told Pacific leaders that Australia expected a summer of floods, cyclones and extreme heat, because the science had warned that if global emissions were not addressed, that is precisely what would occur, and that is now playing out. He said the world cannot afford to let the 1.5-degree Celsius warming target slip from its grasp.
Albanese made the comments after visiting Tuvalu, the tiny island nation threatened by rising sea levels. He noted that sea levels in the Western Pacific are rising more than twice the global average, and that the forecast of a super El Nino may test all nations.
During a meeting in Tuvalu, Pacific leaders declared the world must stop making false promises and end its addiction to fossil fuels. The remarks appeared directed at Australia, which continues to expand fossil fuel exports while vowing to amplify the Pacific's climate concerns at upcoming international talks.
Climate Minister Chris Bowen, who will co-chair the UN's annual climate talks next month alongside Turkey, has shifted his emphasis from the importance of a fossil fuel phase-out to the need to ramp up renewables and electrification.
The discussions took place during a sautalaga, a traditional way of holding a frank and respectful discussion to find common ground, with former prime minister Julia Gillard also in attendance.