Australia turns back on allies as it refuses to cut emissions above Paris pledge

EU and 27 countries vow to toughen commitments as environment minister's address at COP24 UN climate change summit accused of flying in face of reality

Australia will not commit to larger carbon emissions reductions above its Paris agreement target, despite a coalition of former allies and Pacific neighbours urging greater cuts.

In Paris in 2015 Australia was a part of a bloc of countries called the "High Ambition Coalition", which includes the UK, the EU, New Zealand, the Marshall Islands and Fiji. Australia is outside that bloc now.