Pacific Islanders are calling on Australia to end its reliance on fossil fuels and lead a regional transition to renewable energy, as rising global oil prices continue to hit island economies like Fiji.
The call comes amid growing concern over the financial toll of fuel price spikes, with new estimates showing Fiji lost close to US$20 million in just two months due to volatility linked to the Iran conflict.
The mobilisation forms part of “The Great Power Shift,” a global campaign launched by 350.org and partners across multiple regions aimed at ending fossil fuel dependence and ensuring affordable energy.
Speaking on behalf of Pacific campaigners, 350.org Pacific Campaigner Jacynta Fa’amau said communities across the region are facing compounding crises.
“Fossil fuel companies reap obscene profits even while everyday people in Pacific island countries, Australia and New Zealand suffer various states of emergency, choked by fossil fuel dependence,” she said.
“The polycrisis of climate change, energy insecurity and skyrocketing cost of living has shown us that our region critically needs to move beyond fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy.”
She urged Australia to take a leading role in the transition.
“Australia can spearhead this by stopping monstrous carbon bombs like BMA’s Peak Downs mine and stepping up to lead the region’s era of renewable energy security,” Ms Fa’amau added.
The issue was also raised at an international conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, where more than 50 countries gathered to explore pathways away from fossil fuels. Australia and Canada were highlighted as major contributors, accounting for nearly half of fossil fuel production represented at the forum.
Pacific and Caribbean Lead for 350.org, Fenton Lutunatabua, said the economic impact on Fiji highlights the urgency of change.
“Pacific Island Countries urgently need to turn to renewables to reduce our exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and to ease the burden on everyday people,” he said.
“In Fiji alone, an estimated US$20 million has left our coffers and lined the pockets of oil and gas corporations. They profit and we pay, and something drastically needs to change.”
Campaigners say the region’s heavy reliance on imported fuel, combined with global conflict and market volatility, continues to expose small island economies to rising costs, reinforcing calls for a faster shift to renewable energy solutions.
