The Australian government has reportedly slashed funding to a key United Nations environmental agency.
The ABC reports Austrailan funding has been cut by over 80 per cent to the UN Environment Program, which provides advice on environmental policies and climate change negotiations.
It says Australia was due to contribute around $1.2 million this year, but has only offered $200,000.
The government says the money has been diverted into programs to protect rainforests and coral reefs in the Asia Pacific.
It comes as the government also refuses to commit funds to the United Nations Green Climate Fund, the main vehicle for channelling climate aid promised to poor nations.
Associate Professor Frank Jotzo is the director of the Centre for Climate Economics and Policy at the Australian National University.
He told Darren Mara the decision to cut UN-EP funding will come at a diplomatic cost for Australia.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)
