16 Nov 2016

Fiji pleas for a Trump change of heart on climate change

4:26 pm on 16 November 2016

The Prime Minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama has issued a plea to US President-elect, Donald Trump, to change his mind on climate change.

Donald Trump arriving at the New York Hilton Midtown to give his victory speech.

Donald Trump arriving at the New York Hilton Midtown to give his victory speech. Photo: AFP

Speaking at the COP 22 United Nations climate change conference in Morocco, Mr Bainimarama said the commitments of the Paris Agreement were not nearly enough.

Mr Bainimarama said even the push by the Pacific to a fresh cap of a 1.5 degree Celsius increase in temperature on pre-industrial times may be too high.

He addressed Mr Trump saying he is especially alarmed by reports the US will withdraw from the Paris Agreement - a move the prime minister says would be disastrous for every person on earth.

Mr Bainimarama has appealed to Mr Trump to show the sort of leadership the rest of the world expects from the US.

He asks Mr Trump to look again at the scientific evidence and to visit Fiji to see first hand the devastating impact of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

The Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at Government House in Auckland

The Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at Government House in Auckland. Photo: RNZ/ALEX PERROTTET