Baron Waqa, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, is urging for stronger action on climate justice and sea-level rise. He believes climate change is the biggest threat to the Pacific region.
At the start of the Pacific Climate Justice and Sea-Level Rise Week, Waqa celebrated a recent United Nations General Assembly vote on climate accountability. He praised Vanuatu for leading this initiative, thanking its Minister, Ralph Regevanu, for his efforts.
Waqa highlighted the unity among Pacific nations at the UN and thanked various regional partners for their support during the discussions. He noted that climate change, along with the ongoing fossil fuel crisis, is straining Pacific economies and energy security.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to the livelihoods and well-being of the Blue Pacific people,” Waqa stated. He emphasized the urgency of reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and pushing for renewable energy solutions. Recent studies suggest that transitioning to renewable sources could significantly lower energy costs by 50% in the next decade, providing a lifeline for struggling communities.
Looking ahead to the Pre-COP and COP31 meetings, Waqa stressed the importance of securing climate finance and support for smaller island states. “These meetings are crucial for making our concerns heard internationally,” he said.
Waqa also mentioned the Pacific Resilience Facility Agreement (PRF), effective since May 6, as an essential step toward closing gaps in global climate finance. “The PRF ensures that support reaches communities, where it matters most,” he explained.
On the issue of sea-level rise, he reaffirmed that Pacific leaders believe in maintaining maritime zones and sovereignty, regardless of climate impacts. This was solidified in the 2021 Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones, which ensures these zones remain intact despite rising waters.
He highlighted the role of youth in advocating for climate justice, stating, “Pacific young people are vital in this fight for their future.”
Fiji’s Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, underscored the human cost of climate change. Families are losing their land, and farmers are battling unpredictable weather. She stated that while Pacific nations face severe impacts, they are also leaders in global climate efforts.
“We are not just victims; we are taking action,” Tabuya asserted. She shared her experiences visiting relocation sites, emphasizing that Fiji could face significant economic losses—up to 2.6% of GDP—if no intervention occurs.
Fiji is actively developing an NDC Costed Implementation Plan to turn its commitments into concrete projects. The government also aims to manage all ocean spaces sustainably, targeting to designate 30% as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.
The recent adoption of a key UN resolution was celebrated as a major win for the Pacific. Close to 90 representatives from various sectors are gathering for four days to dive deeper into climate justice and potential solutions.
As Pacific nations navigate the challenges posed by climate change, collaboration and commitment to actionable plans remain vital. The voices of leaders, communities, and especially the youth will be crucial in driving progress for a sustainable future.
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