Apec: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern mentions her grandmother ‘climate skeptic’ in a speech

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has used the example of her “climate skeptical” grandmother to pressure APEC leaders to do their part when it comes to climate change.

He has also urged them “not to repeat the mistakes of history by retreating to protectionism.”

Ardern made the remarks at the Apec virtual summit this afternoon, while being “interviewed” by Microsoft president Brad Smith.

Due to Covid-19, the annual event, which takes place in one of the 21 member countries, was moved completely online.

The leaders of the countries still meet, as is often the case at APEC summits, but they do so by video call.

The top leaders meeting is tonight.

Speaking with Smith, Ardern said he hoped the meeting would result in the leaders agreeing on a “new vision” for Asia Pacific.

This would include a continued focus on climate change.

To illustrate his point, he referenced a conversation between his grandmother and his father a few years ago.

“She was a climate skeptic, not a believer in science or the arguments surrounding her,” Ardern said, referring to her grandmother.

“She was expressing that opinion to my father and I remember him saying ‘well, mother, I may not understand science, but I know what I saw when I was in the Pacific.’

Ardern said his father told a story about how the island chiefs showed him where they used to play in the water when they were children and where the water level is now.

“You cannot deny what you see.”

Ardern was talking about the rise in the level of the oceans as a result of climate change.

“If collectively as an international community we do not address climate change, it will be our region that will see immeasurable consequences, in terms of rising sea levels.

“In some parts of the Pacific, this is not hypothetical. They are already seeing their lives, their homes, threatened.”

Another key part of his speech was a call to the Apec leaders to continue trading with each other.

“Trade has been the engine of growth and prosperity in Apec since it was founded 30 years ago,” he said.

“In facing the greatest economic challenge of this generation, we must not repeat the mistakes of history by reverting to protectionism.”

He did not mention it by name, but this is likely a reference to skepticism from the United States and the Trump administration about trade agreements between various countries, such as the CPTPP.

If that wasn’t pointed out enough, he also said: “Apec must continue to commit to keeping markets open and trade flowing.”

This is likely also a reference directed at Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the World Trade Organization, the body that sets the rules of international trade.

This year, the host country and president of Apec is Malaysia. Then it will be New Zealand’s turn to host.