Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has stated that the financial resources necessary for Fiji and the Pacific region must exceed ten times the current availability.
During discussions with the COP29 delegation last week, he highlighted the significant challenges Fiji is facing due to climate change.
Prasad pointed out the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, including the construction of over 200 sea walls and the relocation of more than 40 villages. He mentioned that over 100,000 hectares of farmland are at risk from saltwater intrusion, and hundreds of village health centers and schools require off-grid renewable energy solutions. He also noted that around 80,000 Fijian children currently lack electricity access, making it difficult for them to complete schoolwork and read.
He further emphasized that infrastructure, such as island airports, jetties, schools, and health centers, has suffered long-term damage from extreme weather events, necessitating urgent repairs and reconstruction.
“To achieve long-term climate security in Fiji, we need to build resilience in our health centers and medical facilities and ensure food and water security capable of withstanding current and future climate impacts,” he said.
Furthermore, Prof Prasad discussed the complicated situation surrounding financial contributions, claiming that traditional roles of providers and recipients are increasingly contested. He stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to navigate these debates, advocating for an approach guided by scientific evidence and practicality.
He made it clear that the ambitions set through the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) are critical to maintaining global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. He described the NCQG as a measure of developed countries’ commitment to addressing the loss and damage experienced by nations like Fiji.
Prof Prasad will lead the Fijian delegation at COP29, which is scheduled to take place in less than three weeks in Baku, Azerbaijan.