Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Niue’s Premier concerned there’ll be no climate change deal in Copenhagen

Posted at 03:58 on 17 November, 2009 UTC

The Premier of Niue says he’s disappointed APEC leaders have failed to commit to a target on greenhouse gas emissions, and he’d be concerned if the United Nations conference in December also fails to act.

Toke Talagi’s comments come as United Nations officials have conceded a binding agreement on emissions will not be reached at the Copenhagen conference in December, and is likely to fall back until the middle of next year or beyond.

They also follow a statement by leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore this weekend, which called for an "ambitious outcome" in Copenhagen, but set no target on reducing emissions.

Toke Talagi says he’s concerned about the impact on the Pacific ocean if the temperature rises, and the effect on stocks of tuna and other fish.

“I am concerned if we don’t respond, and respond well in Copenhagen, because as some people have said, and some leaders have said, it’s basically comitting suicide for the earth.”

Toke Talagi says all world leaders must accept responsibility for preventing climate change.