Landmark case to test duty to future climate refugees
A court will decide whether the federal government’s homes and communities have a care task to protect the first nations threatened by the effects of climate change.
Under the risk of being the first climate refugee in Australia, Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai filed a turning point against the government in 2021.
They claim that they could not protect their homeland from climate change between the Torres Strait islands.
Uncles are looking for orders from the court to ask the court to take steps to prevent the government from damaging their communities, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the best science.
Due to his decision on Tuesday, the Court heard that the communities of the evidence communities in Boigu and Saibai could remain less than 30 years before the islands became uninhabitable.
Commonwealth argued that it is not legally necessary to take into account the effects of the best science or climate change in determining emission reduction goals.
Kabai, “Uncle Pabai’s hands of our hands, Saibai and Boigu Low Islands,” he said.
“These two islands are flooded only two or three meters above sea level and during the monsoon season.”
However, the case is not only about Saibai and Boigu Islands.
Mr Kabai said that the decision may have effects for communities affected by climatic disasters such as flood and forest fires in the maintain.
There was a long journey for uncles and supporters, and mixed emotions as Mr. Mr approached a rough decision.
“Some people working with us have passed, so it will be emotional,” he said.
“But I’m looking forward to this, if we can get a better result. Winning or losing doesn’t matter, we may have an answer.”
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