Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has stated that the financing required for Fiji and the broader Pacific region must exceed current availability by a factor of more than ten.
During a meeting with the COP29 delegation last week, he highlighted the various challenges that Fiji is facing due to climate change.
“We have over 200 sea walls that need to be constructed, more than 40 villages that require relocation, over 100,000 hectares of farmland that must be shielded from saltwater intrusion, and numerous village health centers and schools that are off the national electricity grid and need renewable energy solutions. Additionally, about 80,000 Fijian children lack electricity access for doing homework or reading and urgently need connectivity to sustainable energy,” he explained.
Professor Prasad also addressed the long-term damages to infrastructure resulting from extreme weather events, affecting island airports, jetties, schools, and health centers that require urgent repairs and reconstruction.
“We must enhance the resilience of our health centers and medical facilities. Moreover, we need to ensure food and water security that can endure both present and future climate change challenges,” he stated.
He emphasized that these measures are essential for achieving long-term climate security in Fiji.
The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the situation is further complicated by ongoing disputes regarding the responsibilities of contributors and receivers regarding climate finance.
“The traditional divisions of roles are heavily contested,” he said. “Diplomatic navigation is crucial. However, it is essential that we are guided by science and strive for pragmatism and suitable compromises whenever political obstacles hinder progress.”
He noted the importance of clearly linking the aspirations set through the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to the objective of limiting global average temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“The NCQG reflects developed nations’ genuine commitment to addressing the loss and damage that we currently face and will continue to face in the future. It also indicates the feasibility of our path toward climate-resilient development outcomes,” added Professor Prasad.
He will lead the Fijian delegation at COP29, which is scheduled to take place in less than three weeks in Baku, Azerbaijan.