Fiji is making significant strides in enhancing its climate data capabilities with the establishment of its first official climate change statistics through the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS). This groundbreaking effort coincides with the launch of a two-day National Workshop on Advancing Climate Change-Related Statistics, designed to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and advocates, for improved data quality and coordination across sectors.
Kemueli Naiqama, the chief executive officer of FBoS, highlighted the critical role that reliable climate data plays in formulating effective, evidence-based climate actions and fostering sustainable development. He emphasized that high-quality statistics are essential for comprehending the ongoing changes resulting from climate change and for identifying populations that are particularly vulnerable.
This initiative is part of Fiji’s partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which began in 2024, aiming to adopt a holistic government approach that reflects the diverse impacts of climate change on the environment, economy, infrastructure, and public health.
Additionally, Fiji has rolled out its first publications dedicated to climate data, which include the Climate Change-Related Statistics Release and the Gender-Climate Change Nexus Data Brief. These publications mark significant advancements in measuring and conveying climate trends in Fiji, highlighting the differential impacts of climate change across genders.
The ongoing workshop will also review these publications to identify existing data gaps and shape future efforts in climate statistics, thereby enhancing Fiji’s resilience to climate change. This dedication to bolstering climate data not only caters to local needs but also dovetails with Fiji’s active involvement in international climate discussions and initiatives to secure funding essential for tackling climate challenges.
Through these proactive strategies to develop climate statistics, improve data quality, and promote gender-inclusive policies, Fiji is poised to effectively respond to the impacts of climate change. These initiatives position the nation as a leader among Pacific countries facing similar environmental threats, fostering a hopeful and resilient future driven by data-informed decision-making.