The Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) has issued a strong warning as the UNFCCC COP30 approaches, calling on major greenhouse gas emitters, particularly Australia and New Zealand, to deliver specific and measurable commitments to protect vulnerable Pacific nations from the worsening impacts of climate change. The group emphasized that such commitments are essential for the survival and progress of Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) during this critical time.
In their statement, the PEV underscored the importance of COP30 in generating actionable results, asserting that only concrete and quantifiable pledges would empower nations in the Pacific to effectively tackle the detrimental effects of climate change. They praised the region’s recent success in securing a favorable advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate obligations, crediting Vanuatu’s leadership for this milestone. According to the elders, this opinion provides developing countries with a stronger legal basis to advocate for both moral and scientific imperatives in climate action.
The PEV particularly called upon industrialized nations, with Australia highlighted, to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement by significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. They urged Australia to expedite the phase-out of gas and coal and stop all new coal mining ventures, commitments that have been previously made to Pacific leaders during discussions.
Additionally, the group stressed that development aid should not serve as a substitute for genuine climate action. They pointed out that effective measures to address climate change—particularly in relation to loss and damage—cannot be replaced by Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is already falling short of the internationally recognized target of 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI).
Key priorities for COP30 include increasing climate finance, enhancing adaptation strategies, globally phasing out fossil fuels, and enforcing immediate emissions reductions from major polluters to keep global temperature rises within 1.5°C.
Regarding Australia’s intention to co-host COP31 with the Pacific, the PEV stated that Australia must first exhibit true climatic leadership. They expressed that while co-hosting could amplify the voices of small island states, it is crucial for Australia, as a developed member of the Pacific Islands Forum, to show a genuine commitment to combating climate change.
The PEV consists of distinguished former leaders from the Pacific, such as former Kiribati President Anote Tong and former Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr., who aim to provide guidance and support to enhance the region’s resilience against ongoing and future environmental challenges.
The ongoing climate crisis poses a significant threat to the Pacific Islands, making the collective actions of the PEV and other advocates vital for protecting these vulnerable communities. There remains hope that the upcoming negotiations and commitments will lead to a more sustainable and resilient future for the Pacific region.