The Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) has issued a significant warning ahead of the upcoming UNFCCC COP30, demanding that major emitters, particularly Australia and New Zealand, provide concrete and measurable outcomes to safeguard vulnerable Pacific nations from the escalating impacts of climate change. The group emphasizes that tangible commitments are necessary for the survival and development of Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) amidst the climate crisis.
In a statement, the PEV highlighted the importance of the forthcoming COP30 in generating actionable results. They voiced that only specific and measurable commitments would empower vulnerable nations like those in the Pacific to effectively combat the adverse effects of climate change. The elders lauded the Pacific’s recent achievement in obtaining a favorable advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding climate obligations, crediting Vanuatu for its leadership in this area. This opinion, they stated, gives negotiators from developing countries a stronger legal foundation to advocate for moral and scientific responsibilities in climate action.
The PEV has reiterated calls for industrialized nations, especially Australia, to fulfill their Paris Agreement commitments by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The elders urged Australia to accelerate the phasing out of gas and coal and to halt new coal mining projects, which have repeatedly been promised to Pacific leaders during previous discussions.
Furthermore, the group emphasized that development aid cannot replace real climate action. They underscored that effective action on climate change—including measures addressing loss and damage—cannot be substituted by Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is already falling short of the international minimum of 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI).
Key priorities highlighted for COP30 include amplifying climate finance, enhancing adaptation strategies, globally phasing out fossil fuels, and enforcing urgent emissions cuts from major polluters in order to maintain a global temperature rise within 1.5°C.
In regards to Australia’s proposal to co-host COP31 with the Pacific, the PEV remarked that Australia must first demonstrate true climate leadership. They believe 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 authentic commitment to climate action.
The PEV comprises respected former leaders from the Pacific, including notable figures such as former Kiribati President Anote Tong and former Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr., among others. This group aims to offer guidance and support to bolster Pacific resilience against ongoing and future environmental challenges.
As the climate crisis continues to threaten the Pacific Islands, the collective efforts of the PEV and other advocates highlight the critical need for immediate and effective action to protect these vulnerable communities. The hope remains that forthcoming negotiations and commitments will pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the Pacific region.