Australia has joined at least 39 other countries and institutions by signing up to the Statement on the International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition Partnership, COP28 in Dubai.
The Federal Government has said that this reinforces its commitment to build a global net zero economy, while working to align global finance commitments with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition, more commonly referred to as the ‘Glasgow Statement’ or ‘CETP’, was launched by the United Kingdom at COP26 in 2021.
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said that Climate Change represents the greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific.
“Dealing with this threat means making smarter, more targeted investments across our region,” Ms Wong said.
“That’s why we’re already contributing at least $350 million in climate infrastructure for the region, including $75 million for a program for off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific.
“Joining the CETP further aligns our international public support with Pacific priorities.”
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that Australia is finally being taken seriously as a constructive international trading partner and investor determined to take meaningful action on climate change.
“Signing up to the CETP demonstrates Australia’s ambitions to play an active role in building a net zero economy, while aligning our international investments with the goals of the Paris Agreement,” Mr Bowen said.
“The Federal Government is proud to stand alongside the US, UK and our Pacific partners including Fiji to support the transition of international public support towards the clean energy transformation.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister, said that the Federal Government is demonstrating its commitment to driving down emissions and driving up reliable clean energy by signing the CETP.
“Australia is investing in technology that will mean cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy for Australia, the Pacific and the broader Indo-pacific,” Ms McAllister said.
“Our renewable energy transformation is not just important for our country; it is important for our region.”
