We, the undersigned leaders of faith communities in Australia, urge for a strong commitment to address the causes and consequences of climate change.

We believe that time is running out for the many communities across the globe who are already suffering from the devastating effects of climate change, including in the small island nations and low lying areas of the Pacific region. We recognise that livelihoods, communities and cultures in the Pacific are increasingly threatened by extreme weather events and sea level rise, foreshadowing what is to come if concerted action is not taken. The future impact of unabated climate change on families, communities and all other life will be significant.

Australia bears a disproportionate historical responsibility for this grave situation. We are the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the Pacific, with per capita emissions exceeding those of most Pacific nations by a factor of ten. And yet it is those who have contributed least to the causes of climate change who suffer its impacts most severely. Australia therefore has a moral obligation to both prevent further climate change and mitigate its impacts in our region.