Australia only nation to join US at pro-coal event at COP24 climate talks

Country's stance described as 'a slap in the face of our Pacific island neighbours'

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to coal - and its unwavering support for the United States - by appearing at a US government-run event promoting the use of fossil fuels at the United Nations climate talks in Poland.

Australia was the only country apart from the host represented at the event, entitled "US innovative technologies spur economic dynamism", designed to "showcase ways to use fossil fuels as cleanly and efficiently as possible, as well as the use of emission-free nuclear energy".