The Australian Government has acknowledged that “Climate change is an existential national security risk to our Pacific partners and presents unprecedented challenges for our region.” Why then are we approving new gas and coal mines to expand Australia’s fossil fuel exports to the world?

This special event will see former President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, in conversation with independent MP for North Sydney, Kylea Tink.

Despite Australia’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, our country's ongoing approval of new coal, oil, and gas extraction projects raises concerns about its commitment to meaningful climate action. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Australia finds itself at a critical crossroads, facing mounting pressure both domestically and from across our region to halt the expansion of fossil fuel industries.

With the climate crisis intensifying and the 2026 UN climate summit looming on the horizon, Australia's response to these challenges will not only shape its own future but also influence the trajectory of global climate policy.

Is Australia on the brink of transforming its international standing from a climate laggard to a climate leader, or are we planning on playing a double game and hoping that our neighbours in the Pacific do not catch on?

Anote Tong is travelling Australia as a guest of the Australia Institute and its 30-year anniversary celebrations in 2024.

SPEAKERS:

• Anote Tong - Anote Tong was the President of the Republic of Kiribati from 2003 to 2016. He is a member and current chair of the Pacific Elders Voice group, comprised of former national, academic and diplomatic leaders from the Pacific region. 
• Kylea Tink MP - Kylea Tink is the Independent Federal Member for North Sydney. Kylea was elected on a platform of climate action, political integrity, a forward-focused economy, equality and respect for all, and healthy families and communities, and is working hard to push for progress on these issues as a matter of priority.

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• Liz Morison - Elizabeth Morison is the Climate Initiatives Lead in the Climate and Energy Program.

FREE, but registration is essential as places are limited.