Funding climate adaptation in the Pacific with the money that would have paid for the United Nations climate conference to be in Adelaide would be a clear demonstration of genuine climate leadership.
The Institute has released new research showing that Australia's aid spending is at a 50-year low, with the Albanese Government giving less aid than the Abbott Government.
The new report shows that the Albanese Government is only spending 0.19% of Gross National Income on foreign aid (Official Development Assistance or ODA), far below the Labor policy goal of 0.5%, let alone Australia's international commitment to 0.7%.
"Australia's aid spending is at a 50-year low and if the government isn't spending a billion dollars hosting COP, sending that money straight to the Pacific is the easiest way to turn the rhetoric of climate leadership into reality," said Dr Richard Denniss, co-CEO at The Australia Institute.
"Australia's dismal track record on aid spending means the billion dollars saved from missing out on the UN climate conference provides Australia with a unique opportunity to resuscitate its reputation, regain trust with Pacific nations, and show genuine climate leadership.
"Australia is at the back of the pack when it comes to aid. Not only do we rank 28th in the OECD, the Albanese Government's spending on aid is lower than that of the Abbott Government.
"This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he still wanted the Pacific to benefit even if Turkey won the right to host the COP.
"Giving the money Australia saved by not hosting the COP straight to the Pacific to help them adapt to the climate crisis – which Australia's fossil fuel exports cause – is by far the easiest way to deliver on the Prime Minister's desire to help.
"The Pacific could use the money to kick-start the 100% renewable Pacific plan, launched by the Australian government and several Pacific leaders last week.
"It would be a way to keep climate action in the Pacific even though the climate talks are heading back to the northern hemisphere."
