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RNZ, 30th August 2018
Australia's new government is under pressure from other Pacific leaders to sign a pledge of support for the Paris climate accord, and declare climate change the "single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being" of the region.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports a joint security declaration from the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum, obtained by Fairfax Media, will be considered next week at the summit in Nauru.
It comes as prime minister Scott Morrison faces political pressure from conservative MPs to water down or abandon emissions reduction commitments Australia made under the Paris agreement.
As his newly formed government attempts to move past the chaos of last week's leadership crisis, Mr Morrison will not attend the Nauru meeting, sending new foreign minister Marise Payne in his place.
