Pacific island nations seek to turn geopolitics into funding to offset climate change harm
Pacific leaders say major polluters should fund adaptation projects as a UN report warns the world will soon exceed the 1.5 C climate threshold.
- On Wednesday in Palau, Pacific leaders gathered for the annual Pacific Islands Forum, responding to a United Nations report stating Earth will soon exceed the safe 1.5 Celsius temperature threshold.
- Rising seas frequently flood homes in Melekeok, a chiefdom of 300 people, while El Nino chaos intensifies and warmer seas threaten 30% of tuna fisheries across the Pacific.
- Tonga Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua told The Associated Press the Pacific Resilience Facility was designed to work "immediately for the urgent needs of the Pacific Island people," yet major donors have not pledged hoped-for amounts.
- Vanuatu Climate Adaptation Minister Ralph Regenvanu criticized Australia for fossil fuel production, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Palau the transition cannot "happen overnight" and requires renewable capacity.
- Geopolitical competition between China and Taiwan frequently disrupts the summit, as major powers seek to shore up influence in the strategically important Pacific region during the annual Pacific Islands Forum.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Palau is worried about climate change. Three cyclones simultaneously swept across the Pacific due to the El Niño phenomenon, which reached historic highs this year. According to a UN report, the challenge is no longer to avoid exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement 11 years ago, but to learn how to manage it.
The thirsty world powers will pay for the climate bill of Palau, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga and other islands of the Pacific. Or, at least, this is what they want it to happen. Pacific island countries are trying to take advantage of the growing geopolitical dispute over the region to obtain funding aimed at addressing the effects of climate change, which threaten territories, economies and communities. Gathered this week in Palau for the annual sum…
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