Pacific Climate Network calls for meaningful action on fossil fuels
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Antalya, Türkiye—World leaders have reaffirmed the urgency of protecting 1.5°C, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, delivering accessible climate finance and safeguarding the ocean.
These commitments were reiterated during last month's negotiations in Fiji and Tuvalu, preceding the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Türkiye.
As negotiations move from the Pacific to Türkiye, the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network urged governments to turn those commitments into actions that rescue communities already living with the consequences of climate change.
"For Pacific peoples, those consequences are measured in the loss of our lands, ecosystems, livelihoods and cultural heritage," said Sindra Sharma, international policy lead at the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network.
"We cannot afford a COP that lowers ambition when the science demands greater urgency."
Sharma said the Pacific islands' demands are non-negotiable as they are fundamental to the survival and future of their communities.
“We need urgent action to keep 1.5°C within reach, a just and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels and decisions grounded in the best available science," she said.
"We are deeply concerned by the growing willingness to treat exceeding 1.5°C as an acceptable pathway. Every fraction of warming matters, and even temporarily crossing that threshold carries consequences that cannot simply be reversed," Sharma added.
The network calls for an end to false solutions, the phaseout of fossil fuels, protection from extractive industries, the defense of the living planet and recognition that some losses caused by climate change can never be reduced to a monetary value.
The network is also calling for climate finance that is accessible, predictable and responsive to the needs of Pacific communities, particularly those facing escalating climate impacts despite contributing the least to the crisis.
The Pacific’s expectations are reinforced by the outcomes of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, the Pacific-hosted Pre-COP31 and the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
“We welcomed the world to our shores in Fiji and Tuvalu, where our leaders and communities made clear what is at stake for the Pacific," said
James Viernes, principal advisor for strategy and regional affairs.
"The commitments made there must now follow governments into the negotiating rooms in Antalya. Our region has done its part in setting the agenda. It is time for the international community to match that leadership with action," he added.
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