Australia's role in Paris climate talks

Australia helped convince countries to include reference to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees in the universal climate deal struck in Paris.

WHAT AUSTRALIA GOT UP TO AT UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE TALKS

* Signed onto multi-country initiative called Mission Innovation. Will double investment in clean energy innovation from $100 to $200 million over five years.

* Committed to $1 billion in climate finance in the Pacific, including $200 million already announced for Green Climate Fund. To be directed from aid budget. Doesn't represent additional spending.

* Announced it would ratify the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol. Signals commitment to global agreements, also allows use of surplus emissions from first period.

* Refused to sign New Zealand-led communique to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.

* Did deal with St Lucia and South Africa to secure its favoured accounting rules for Kyoto Protocol, allowing land use emissions to be counted.

* In return, Australia helped convince countries to include reference to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees in Paris agreement.

* Chaired umbrella group of non-European Union developed countries (negotiating block).

* Committed $625,000 to promoting Pacific women into climate change roles.

* Announced $58 million for Great Barrier Reef water quality.

* Revealed research project into 'blue carbon' storage in mangroves and other sea life.

* Indicated Australia would sign onto New Zealand-led declaration to improve transparency in international carbon markets.

* Ranked third last of 58 countries on Climate Change Performance Index.

* Labelled Fossil of the Day for speech made by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop about coal being crucial to alleviate hunger.

* Eventually joined 'high ambition coalition' of around 100 countries.


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Source: AAP



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