Australia’s New Low Earns it CAN’s First Fossil of the Day

Australia has the dubious privilege of being awarded Climate Action Network’s (CAN) first fossil of the day at this year’s climate talks in Warsaw. CAN bestowed the fossil on Australia as the government will not be putting forward any new finance commitments at the negotiations, beyond their previous Fast Start Finance obligations.

In light of the tragedy to Australia’s Pacific neighbour, CAN stated that Australia lacked “understanding of the purpose of climate finance.” Drawing upon media coverage in Australia that reported Australian cabinet ministers as characterising climate finance as “socialism masquerading as environmentalism,” CAN responded in unequivocal terms. “It’s not socialism, it’s equity and it’s your responsibility” CAN said.

Australia’s fossil was in stark contrast to CAN’s Ray of Solidarity, which went to the Philippines. Lead negotiator Yeb Saño addressed the opening plenary, calling for urgent action. Saño thanked civil society for taking direct action against the fossil fuel industry, and CAN stated that they will never lose their “passion, motivation, and determination” to achieve change.

“We stand in solidarity with the Philippines and all other nations that were hit by this devastation”, CAN said. They also urged the international community to act in Warsaw “to reduce the threat of climate change.”

CAN awards “Fossil of the Day” awards to the countries who perform the worst during the past day’s negotiations at UN climate change conferences. The slightly sarcastic yet highly prestigious awards are presented daily at 6pm.

By Kahil Lloyd, photo and video by CAN.