The Pacific Islands Climate Action Network has praised the announcement by the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) that Fiji will host the COP31 Pre COP meeting. This gathering will feature a special Leaders component held in Tuvalu ahead of the COP31 conference scheduled in Türkiye.
Dr. Rufino Varea, Director of PICAN, expressed his support for this decision, emphasizing that the Pacific has previously hosted such Pre COP meetings. He noted, however, that the region has since faced escalating climate impacts, with the global community now poised to exceed the critical 1.5 °C temperature increase limit. Island communities are experiencing significant uncertainty about the efficacy of existing solutions in the face of rapidly worsening conditions.
Dr. Varea highlighted this pivotal moment as one that necessitates a strong response from global leaders, urging them to embrace Pacific leadership in climate discussions. The Pacific nations are not only at the frontline of climate change but have also advocated for higher ambition, science-aligned targets, and justice-based solutions through alliances like AOSIS. He emphasized the need for political visibility to translate into real outcomes that enhance justice and ambition, prioritizing the lived experiences of those most affected.
As the planning progresses, it is crucial to clarify the Pacific Island nations’ influential role in forming the conference agenda and guiding decisions under the co-presidency of Australia and Türkiye. Hosting the Pre COP should reflect substantial leadership not merely in location, but also in the priorities and decisions made.
Dr. Varea called on attending leaders to openly address the climate crisis and initiate actionable steps to alter the trajectory at COP31. This includes establishing a clear plan to transition from fossil fuels while rectifying past COP outcomes, where the boundaries set by the most affected nations have often been overlooked.
The emphasis on enhanced commitment and cooperative action can enhance the ongoing efforts of the Pacific Islands in the global fight against climate change, fostering a hopeful vision for a climate-resilient future.
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