Most Vulnerable Have A Right To Survive

Most Vulnerable Have a Right to Survive

"Oxfam's new report The Right to Survive raises important issues about the vulnerability of the most poor to climate change," Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, said today.

"Climate change is likely to increase the frequency, severity and unpredictability of weather-related hazards, and will increase the vulnerability of people across the world to natural disasters, particularly those living in poverty who have the least capacity to respond," Mr McMullan said.

Mr McMullan said the report raised important issues about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation.

Australia is assisting vulnerable communities in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance their resilience to climate change impacts.

"The Government has committed $150 million through its International Adaptation to Climate Change Initiative to meet high priority climate adaptation needs in vulnerable countries in our region," Mr McMullan said.

The Government is also advocating for more financing for adaptation in international climate change negotiations.

"With regard to emissions, a long-term global stabilisation goal of 450 parts per million CO2 equivalent or lower by mid-century is in Australia's national interest and Australia will play its full and fair part in meeting that goal," Mr McMullan said.

"Investing in disaster risk reduction protects lives, livelihoods and property, and is critical for sustainable development."

The Australian Government has invested in disaster risk reduction initiatives in more than 30 partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region and parts of Africa.

The Government is providing $67 million for the Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction in Jakarta that is building Indonesian Government and regional capacity to prepare for and manage disasters.

"Natural disasters are not inevitable but we know that a lot can be done to minimise risks," Mr McMullan said. "Without action, disasters will continue to disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in developing countries."

Media Contact:
Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's office)
0400 318 205

SOURCE: AusAID