Australia a bad neighbour to Pacific islands on climate, says former Irish president

Mary Robinson says Australia must abandon fossil fuel-driven growth and contribute to poor countries' development

Australia has not been a good neighbour to the Pacific islands vulnerable to climate change and needs to get out of fossil fuel-based growth faster, says Mary Robinson, the former Irish president turned climate change campaigner.

Speaking to Guardian Australia, she also urged rich countries to contribute to sustainable development in poor countries and to do so in their own self-interest.