Climate finance top agenda

Pacific leaders are pressing for more climate finance and stronger global action as rising seas and warming oceans threaten food, water supplies and coastal communities across the region.

Fiji Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya said the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau should produce a united regional position before the Pacific takes its demands to Pre-COP31 and COP31. Fiji will host the Pacific Pre-COP meeting in October, while Tuvalu and Australia are also involved in the Pacific-led process.

Tabuya said Pacific countries could not approach the climate crisis individually. “We need to come together in solidarity to make strong statements in how we need to advocate and also speak up and protect our people from the ongoing effects of climate change.”

The region is seeking to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach. Tabuya warned that exceeding it would have destructive consequences for Pacific nations. Rising seas are increasing coastal flooding and saltwater intrusion, while freshwater sources and farming communities face growing pressure.

Warming ocean temperatures are also shifting fish stocks and placing stress on marine ecosystems, affecting household food supplies. Tabuya said flooding could force entire communities to move to higher ground and called for greater support for countries facing the most severe impacts.

The Pacific’s climate finance demands are tied to a broader effort to protect its oceans and seabed. Tabuya cited growing geopolitical interest in the region, including deep-sea mining, as another reason for stronger regional advocacy before negotiations in Türkiye.

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We need to come together in solidarity to make strong statements in how we need to advocate and also speak up and protect our people from the ongoing effects of climate change.