Pacific Climate Change Ministers Urge 1.5 Degree Target for Climate Negotiations

Ambitious climate targets continue to dominate the agendas of world leaders as Pacific Climate Change Ministers gathered in Fiji last week to prioritize keeping global warming to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. For Pacific communities, who experience the brunt of climate change repercussions, achieving this target remains crucial.

In anticipation of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled for later this year in Azerbaijan, the Ministers reiterated that Pacific’s success hinges on affirming and achieving this vital goal.

“The Pacific represents the bedrock for the 1.5-degree target,” articulated Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance. “Staying within this guardrail underpins our future resilience and prosperity.”

The discussions, conducted during the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) COP29 Preparatory Meetings held from 30th September to 3rd October 2024 in Nadi, emphasized transitioning away from fossil fuels, scaling up finances for sustainable adaptation, and aligning all efforts with the principal target of 1.5 degrees.

Australia and New Zealand have shown consistent support for Pacific efforts, aligning with the “1.5 to stay alive” campaign. This was further emphasized during the Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Ministerial Talanoa session on 1st October. Moreover, Australia’s previously announced bid with Pacific countries to host COP31 in 2026 underscores the importance of Pacific perspectives and solutions in climate change discussions.

The journey towards the 2026 summit marks a critical timeline, as underscored by the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji. By then, the global community should be nearing the deadlines set by current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and crucially the pathway to stabilizing the climate.

Biman Prasad highlighted the significance of past experiences, particularly Fiji’s COP23 Presidency, in drawing worldwide attention to Pacific challenges and innovations, remarking on the unique opportunity to potentially host future conferences within the region.

John Salong, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, reminded participants that COP29 represents a significant turning point. He addressed past records, signaling 2023 as the hottest year yet and an alarming set of forecasts for 2024.

“Normalizing these soaring temperatures is unacceptable,” he emphasized. “Collaboration at this juncture is essential to safeguard our futures.”

Across the Pacific, the effects of climate change are hard to ignore. Record occurrences of ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, and intensifying natural disasters take a daily toll on the region’s communities, compounding their vulnerability.

Leading these negotiations at COPs arranged yearly are countries within the UN’s five regional groupings. While COP28 was notably held on behalf of the Asia Group in the United Arab Emirates, COP29’s turn has been afforded to Azerbaijan, representing Eastern Europe.

In a broader narrative of progress, Australia’s Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, added a note of solidarity, stating Australia’s dedication to confronting the reality of climate change alongside their Pacific neighbors. Bowen acknowledged the bid for hosting COP31 as a reflection of Australia’s commitment to participating in global climate action and helping its neighboring countries achieve their aggressive emission reduction goals.

The cooperative High-Level Ministerial Talanoa was conducted with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS), further exemplifying the region’s united front.

As the global community prepares for the 29th Conference of the Parties in Baku, Azerbaijan this coming November, unanimous action from the Pacific represents a pivotal and proactive strategy in the overarching fight against climate change.