Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad recently highlighted the pressing need for significant changes regarding climate change during a meeting with Omar Shehadeh, the UAE Special Envoy to the Pacific. In his statement, Professor Prasad pointed out the Pacific region’s alarming vulnerability, revealing that it includes six of the world’s top 20 countries most prone to disasters.
Despite this critical situation, Prasad noted that the region receives approximately US$220 million each year in climate finance, which is only a small fraction of the estimated US$2 billion required to effectively manage climate adaptation and facilitate a transition towards renewable energy sources.
During the discussions, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the objectives of COP28, which include reducing emissions by 43 percent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. He also commended the UAE for its support, particularly in renewable energy initiatives and educational projects, and expressed a hopeful outlook for further collaboration to address the urgent climate issues confronting the Pacific region.
This meeting underscores the critical need for enhanced global support and collaboration as nations like Fiji strive to confront the realities of climate change and safeguard their future. Together, with the continued partnership of supportive nations, there is potential for creating a sustainable future for the Pacific Islands.
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