Fiji PM challenges world leaders to commit to climate action at COP26

Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama says leaders who cannot take action on climate change shouldn't bother going to COP26 in Glasgow.

Ahead of November's UN Climate Change Conference, Pacific leaders are urging drastic cuts to carbon emissions by developed countries

Mr Bainimarama said the Pacific's goal is to keep the target of containing global temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees.

"This demands drastic emissions cuts by 2030 that put large nations on a path towards net zero emissions before 2050," Bainimarama said.

He said leaders who cannot summon the courage to unveil net-zero commitments should not bother booking a flight to Glasgow.

"Instead they should face consequences that match the severity of what they are unleashing on our planet," said Frank Bainimarama said.

"We do not tolerate war on our member states, so how can we tolerate war waged against the planet, on the life it sustains and on future generations."

Frank Bainimara said this is the "firm red line" Pacific nations will draw in Glasgow.

"We are demanding net zero emissions and acccepting zero excuses."