Pacific island national leaders declared a climate emergency on Friday and agreed to try to bring Kiribati back to the region's main diplomatic grouping.
Kiribati announced it had withdrawn from the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum ahead of a leaders' summit in Fiji this week. The move was seen as a sign of China's growing influence in the region.In a soon-to-be released communique, the leaders "welcomed and fully supported" the new Australian government's commitment to the forum's climate change priorities, Australian Associated Press reported after seeing the document.
The leaders, many of whom are confronting an existential threat from a warming planet, consider climate change their greatest security risk and declared a climate emergency. While China was not named in the communique, its growing influence in the region was a subject of much discussion among leaders.
Australia already has a security treaty with the Solomons and Australian police have been in the capital, Honiara, maintaining peace since riots late last year. The forum's dialogue partners -- including the United States, China, Britain and France -- had not been invited to this year's summit in Fiji's capital, Suva.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taylor Kitsch Says He ‘Will Not Be Part Of’ Any Potential ‘Friday Night Lights’ RebootIf 'Friday Night Lights' ever gets a revival, don't expect the return of Tim Riggins. Speaking with Variety, actor Taylor Kitsch was asked whether he would be interested in a reboot of the acclaimed high school football drama. [readmore label='READ MORE: ' link='https://etcanada.com/news/803294/why-connie-britton-doesnt-see-a-friday-night-lights-reboot-happening/' text='Why Connie Britton Doesn’t See A ‘Friday Night Lights’ Reboot Happening'] “You may…
Read more »
Open fire ban in B.C. coastal regions begins FridayOpen burning will be prohibited in the Coastal Fire Centre starting at noon Friday, the B.C. Wildfire Service announced
Read more »
Hungary declares ‘energy emergency’ in response to supply disruptions, surging pricesThere is ‘unlikely to be enough gas in Europe for the autumn and winter heating season,’ the Hungarian Prime Minister’s chief of staff said Wednesday
Read more »
Hungary declares 'energy emergency' over threat of shortagesBUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s government has declared an “energy emergency” in response to supply disruptions and skyrocketing energy prices in Europe, an…
Read more »
Activist Sammy Cavallaro awarded Quebec National Assembly’s Medal of Honour - Montreal | Globalnews.caA young West Island activist and advocate for people with disabilities was awarded the National Assembly’s medal of honour Wednesday.
Read more »