Pacific leaders and representatives from overseas territories are uniting to ensure their voices do not get overlooked in the ongoing discussions surrounding climate change. Following COP30 in Belem, Brazil, the sentiment among regional governments and organizations reflects a stark realization that their concerns and needs continue to be neglected by more powerful nations.
Having faced the frontline impacts of rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms, the Pacific countries are now shifting their approach from negotiation to actionable delivery. They have long contended that smaller nations disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change, yet find themselves excluded from critical climate finance opportunities and decision-making processes.
An analysis from the Green Overseas Programme underlines the need for proactive measures; without them, the outcomes of COP30 risk falling short in creating meaningful changes for those most affected by the climate crisis. Ahab Downer, Director of the Green Overseas Programme, emphasized the necessity for systemic transformations. He stated that while COP30 highlighted the determination of climate-conscious leaders to pursue ambitious goals, true progress hinges on facilitating equitable access to decision-making for the Pacific island nations.
Looking forward to COP31, held in Türkiye, Downer stressed, “It is essential that Pacific islanders—and other island populations globally—are empowered to shape and drive the agenda, which will undoubtedly benefit all populations on our planet.” He further noted that these communities possess invaluable lived experience and expertise that are crucial for effective resilience-building efforts.
Ilona Mayerau-Lonné, a former representative for Kanaky (New Caledonia) on the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network, echoed these sentiments, cautioning that while the relocation of COP31 may change the dialogue, it must not silence the Pacific voices. “Our leadership isn’t just optional; it’s foundational for credible climate action. The Pacific’s solutions, ranging from loss and damage to ocean resilience, are vital to global survival.” She argued that excluding these perspectives not only undermines the process but is also a strategic error that affects everyone.
Mayerau-Lonné highlighted that the wisdom of Pacific islanders in adaptation, Indigenous knowledge, and climate litigation serves as a blueprint for worldwide survival. “This issue goes beyond mere representation; it’s about acknowledging that no climate solution is comprehensive without the input of those living through the crisis firsthand.”
As COP31 approaches, smaller island governments continue to advocate for practical and accessible mechanisms that allow them to engage meaningfully in the next phase of the Paris Agreement. The Green Overseas Programme is calling for a focus on several key areas:
– Inclusion of island, particularly Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT), delegates in national delegations.
– Establishment of direct access paths to climate financing for smaller administrations.
– Recognition of community-driven solutions that are already proving effective.
– A commitment that the transition to implementation must not exclude structurally marginalized island nations.
The push for equitable participation and recognition of local expertise offers a hopeful path forward, as the Pacific region seeks to ensure that it plays a critical role in shaping global climate policies.
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