During the recent COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil, leaders from the Pacific Islands voiced their urgent concerns about the escalating threats posed by climate change to their communities. Dr. Pio Manoa, Deputy Director General of the Forum Fisheries Agency, articulated the profound connection that Pacific Islanders have with the ocean. He remarked, “We are here because we want to demonstrate that our people are people of the ocean. We have nothing much—not a lot of land—but a lot of ocean, and you need to know what we are going through.”
Coral Pasisi, the Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Pacific Community, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ocean’s essential role in sustaining life and providing education for Pacific peoples. She expressed deep concern over the alarming degradation of coral systems and the existential threat faced by low-lying nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu. “Because we live there every day, we can clearly see what existentiality really looks like,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect future generations.
Niue’s Minister for Natural Resources, Mona Ainu’u, stressed the importance of amplifying Pacific voices in global climate discussions and expressed her frustration with the slow progress of accessing climate financing. She noted a significant gap between climate finance pledges made by wealthier nations and the actual support received, which often materializes only after substantial damage has occurred. Ainu’u stated, “If we don’t do anything—if we don’t change the way we live or push countries to raise their ambitions—nothing is going to happen.”
To address these pressing challenges, Pacific leaders are actively pursuing proactive initiatives. The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which has an initial investment of $500 million and is supported by 15 countries, seeks to enhance self-reliance and improve access to climate finance. Finau Soqo, General Manager of the PRF, emphasized that Pacific leaders are collectively committed to taking control of their future, stating their determination to support their communities and be a catalyst for change.
Pasisi called for a reconceptualization of climate finance, urging that it be seen as a matter of justice rather than mere charity. Despite being on the front lines of climate change and housing some of the world’s most pristine ecosystems, Pacific nations have received only a fraction of the financial support pledged by global leaders. Dame Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, supported this view, stressing the importance of elevating Pacific perspectives in international forums.
As the conference progressed, the message from Pacific leaders was unmistakable: the ocean is not merely a resource but an integral aspect of their identity, culture, and survival. Their united call to action highlights the necessity of demanding accountability, greater ambition from polluters, and tangible support to secure their futures. Amid these urgent issues raised at COP30, there remains hope that a cohesive Pacific response could inspire wider global action, effectively combating climate change through collaboration and shared commitment.