Australia has kept their promise made to Samoa and the rest of the Pacific nations to prioritise climate change by appointing an Ambassador for Climate Change. 

On Saturday the Australian Government announced the appointment of Kristin Tilley as Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change.

Tilley’s appointment delivers on an election commitment to reinstate the role of Ambassador for Climate Change. Her role demonstrates to the world Australia’s resolve to urgently step up the pace of action, and work alongside global partners, particularly in the Pacific, to tackle the climate crisis.

The Australian Government’s commitment to action on climate change made during the elections included building on recent actions like legislating emissions reduction targets of 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. This includes an 82 per cent renewable energy target and supporting action on climate change for the Pacific region.

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong said this was Australia acting on climate change at home and will now be part of the solution in the world.

“Ms. Tilley will lead Australia’s international climate engagement, working with partners to deliver opportunities for green economy jobs,” she said.

“As well as playing our part to reduce emissions, Australia is also focused on helping our neighbours deal with the climate emergency, and elevating Pacific voices and priorities on the world stage.”

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said the Albanese Government has already taken urgent climate action.

“And as one of our first acts, enshrined our commitment to reach net zero emissions into law,” he said.

“Our delegation at COP 27 and our COP 31 bid will go a long way to help drive Australia’s economic transformation to a net zero economy and strengthen green trade partnerships and secure jobs for Australian workers.”

Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said climate change is being experienced by the Pacific family as a profound crisis and an existential threat.

“Australia recognises the Pacific’s long standing leadership on global climate change, and together we will highlight our region’s priorities at COP 27,” he said.

“In hosting COP 31, Australia and Pacific countries would profile the impact of climate change on the region, accelerate global action and harness the economic opportunities from the clean energy transition.”

COP 27 is being hosted this month in Egypt with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa now on her way to the Middle East from American Samoa.