BELÉM, 4 November 2025 – The UN Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report 2025 has sounded a serious alarm on the current state of global climate initiatives, presenting projections that forecast a troubling temperature increase of 2.3–2.5°C if current trajectories persist. This scenario poses significant challenges to meeting the objectives set forth in the Paris Agreement, with the Pacific region poised to suffer the harshest impacts from climate change.
Dr. Sindra Sharma, International Policy Lead at the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN), underscored the report’s alarming implications for Pacific Island nations. She remarked that the existing global climate ambitions fall short of providing the necessary safeguards for these vulnerable communities. The report underscores a critical divide between current climate pledges and the robust actions required to cap warming at 1.5°C, revealing that the actual extent of the crisis may be even greater than reported, especially as it does not account for emissions generated by military activities.
As nations prepare for COP30 in Belém, the urgency for an immediate transition away from fossil fuels has become increasingly imperative. Sharma urged global leaders to embrace bold and transformative policies, advocating for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels along with justice measures and support for impacted communities. She emphasized that every fraction of a degree in warming exacerbates risks for the vulnerable populations of the Pacific.
At the upcoming COP30, PICAN plans to amplify calls for robust governmental commitments to phase out fossil fuels, enhance climate financing, and weave justice into international climate negotiations. This declaration resonates with remarks made by various Pacific leaders, including Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, during recent discussions that followed COP29. Prasad highlighted the importance of international solidarity and strong political action, asserting that the voices of Pacific nations must be prioritized in climate discussions.
Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, has previously described climate change as an existential threat to Pacific Island nations, framing it as a concern that extends beyond regional bounds to affect all humanity. As COP30 approaches, the struggles and aspirations of Pacific Islands need to be clearly articulated as they advocate for actions reflective of their lived experiences and elevating their sense of urgency.
The call for action has never been more pressing, as world leaders are under increasing pressure to transform commitments into tangible results. The findings from the UNEP report, coupled with precedents from COP29 discussions, highlight an urgent need for a comprehensive response that effectively marshals resources and efforts to combat climate change. There is a hopeful indication that the collective advocacy emanating from Pacific leaders can inspire substantial global action, helping to protect both their fragile ecosystems and communities.