Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa has issued a stark warning Wednesday to global leaders at COP29, declaring climate change the greatest existential threat to Pacific nations and urging swift action on climate finance and emissions reduction.
“For our Pacific Island nations, climate change poses the single greatest existential threat to our survival. The rising sea levels in our blue Pacific Ocean endanger our lives, our culture and traditions.
“The 1.5-degree goal in the Paris Agreement represents a critical threshold in our fight for survival.
“The reality is that we need substantial and timely climate finance to protect our small island developing states,” said Waqa.
Waqa called for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to ensure climate funding is accessible and tailored to the needs of small island developing states.
“With this in mind, here at COP29, we expect the New Collective Quantified Goal to offer accessible, simplified funding that reflects our unique circumstances” he stressed.
He highlighted the Pacific Resilience Facility(PRF), a regional initiative aimed at simplifying climate finance access, which is set to become operational in 2026.
“I acknowledge and thank our partners who have generously committed to supporting this Facility. Your contributions are not just financial; they are a lifeline for our future, and I invite additional contributions to strengthen our collective efforts,” he said.
The Secretary General also stressed the need for a just transition from fossil fuels, emphasising that Pacific communities must not bear unfair burdens in the global shift to renewable energy.
“Financial support alone cannot save our planet without tackling the root causes of climate change. For us in the Pacific, transitioning from fossil fuel must be just and equitable to prevent unfair burdens on our communities,” he said.
Looking ahead, Waqa endorsed Pacific leaders’ proposal to co-host COP31 in Australia, describing it as an opportunity to amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“The Pacific is at the forefront of the climate crisis. For this reason, our Leaders welcome the opportunity to co-host a Pacific COP31 in Australia.
“This partnership will allow us to welcome you all to our shores and underscore the urgent threat climate change poses to our communities and our future.
“Excellencies, we save the Pacific; we save the world,” Waqa concluded. “Let us not leave here with the future of our Blue Planet hanging in the balance,” he said.
This story was written by Pita Ligaiula, originally published at PACNEWS on 21 November 2024.
