Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has been recognised by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential climate leaders, earning a place on the TIME100 Most Influential Climate Leaders 2025 list.
In a statement, Senator Wong said it was “an honour” to be included, noting that Time highlighted the Albanese Government’s work with Pacific nations, “including through the landmark Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union.”
Senator Wong, the nation’s first-ever Minister for Climate Change and Water, has long applied an environmental focus to her diplomacy. She has been particularly outspoken on advocating for climate-vulnerable Pacific Island nations such as Tuvalu.
Her leadership helped deliver the world’s first “climate visa” under the Falepili Union treaty, allowing Tuvaluans to move permanently to Australia to live, work and study as rising seas threaten their homeland. The agreement also guarantees Tuvalu’s ongoing statehood and sovereignty. This year, more than one-third of Tuvalu’s population entered the first ballot for the new visa.
Wong’s inclusion comes as Time notes a global trend of business and political leaders stepping up in the face of weakening climate ambition by major powers. In an interview accompanying the list, Wong emphasised that collective global effort remains essential.
“To act collectively, every country needs to play its part. We can only honour our obligations to current and future generations by acting together.”
She pointed to Australia’s progress: renewable energy reached a record 46 per cent of the national market by the end of 2024, with a target of 82 per cent by 2030; the government is on track to deliver $3 billion in climate finance by year’s end, including $1.3 billion for the Pacific; and the Falepili Union has delivered “historic” legal protection for Tuvalu’s sovereignty.
However, Wong also acknowledged the global reality:
“To hold the line on 1.5 degrees, it’s critical that the biggest global economies take decisive action to rapidly decline their emissions. We act together, or not at all.”
Asked what gives her hope, Wong credited the determination of everyday Australians pushing for climate action.
“The clarity and conviction of the Australian people advocating for progress on climate change gives me hope,” she said, adding that voters had twice rejected “climate change denial” and demanded serious action in the face of worsening bushfires and floods.
“They want solutions, not slogans… and they see climate action as an opportunity, not a burden.”
Reflecting on her experience at COP15 in Copenhagen, Wong said she would urge world leaders not to repeat past failures.
“I remember thinking: This room can do anything. But the world fell short. Let’s not fail again.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
