As one of the world's biggest fossil fuel exporters, Australia must pay its debts to the developing nations on the frontline of the climate crisis, politicians and researchers say.
In an early win for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, delegates opened the door for nations to make contributions to a 'loss and damage' fund that was agreed to the previous year.
COP28 host the United Arab Emirates and Germany each contributed $A152 million, Britain pitched in $A77 million, the United States offered $A26.6 million while Japan provided $A15 million.
With Australia's Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and Assistant Minister Jenny McAllister set to land in Dubai next week, they have been urged to join the fund.
Australia is the third largest exporter of fossil fuels in the world, which Greens leader Adam Bandt says makes it uniquely responsible for the climate consequences felt by vulnerable nations.
"Some of them face being wiped out - there are countries that could end up underwater and be uninhabitable for their people, in other places they face real crisis about whether they're going to be able to grow enough food," he told reporters on Friday.
"As a wealthy country, Australia has an obligation to contribute to the costs, not only of climate finance for other countries, but for the loss and damage that has been driven by the coal and gas that Labor and the Liberals keep exporting."
Mr Bandt also suggested funding Australia's contributions with taxes on coal and gas corporations.
Researchers and activists have urged the government to contribute while also addressing the root causes of climate change.
Research director at the Climate Council Simon Bradshaw says Australia must commit to a full phase out of fossil fuels.
"Australia is a major fossil fuel producer and an influential player in the crucial negotiations. It's time to get on the right side of history and do the right thing by Australians, Pacific island countries, and communities worldwide," he said.
Over the two-week long conference, Australia will also be hoping to prove itself worthy of hosting rights as it makes a co-hosting bid with Pacific nations for 2026.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific head Shiva Gounden says a contribution to the loss and damage fund would go a long way towards repairing Australia's relationship with the coastal nations.
"For too long, those least responsible for causing the climate crisis have borne the brunt of climate impacts," he said.
"We're seeing this play out across the Pacific in real time as sea level rise, severe storms and cyclones, and warming oceans threaten livelihoods, security, and the unique and irreplaceable Pacific culture.
"Now, the fund needs to be filled."
