Despite the notable absence of the United States, one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, at the global climate talks in Brazil, representatives from the Pacific Islands are expressing confidence that the movement to address climate change is stronger than ever. During an online media briefing at COP30 in Belem, Karlos Lee Moresi, the Climate Finance and Resilience Team Leader for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), highlighted that the collective drive to tackle climate change is powered by global solidarity and scientific consensus.
Moresi emphasized that the responsibility to combat climate change does not solely reside with one nation, stating, “Despite the biggest emitter being absent, the global momentum and the agency of addressing climate change do not rest with one individual country.” He pointed out that even within the U.S., divisions in climate policy exist, but local and state-level actions continue to strengthen the demand for effective global climate solutions.
Moresi reiterated the importance of scientific evidence and personal experiences in amplifying the Pacific’s voice on the global stage, asserting that, “We also rely on the science. We use the science to back up our claims.” The conference featured over 56,000 registered participants, reflecting a robust commitment to climate action despite political rhetoric that may suggest otherwise.
The Pacific region remains at the forefront of advocating for urgent climate action, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts they face from climate change. In previous discussions, leaders such as Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad have emphasized the necessity for strong political leadership and regional unity as they prepare for COP30. Calls for funding to address loss and damage were underscored, highlighting a critical need for justice as Pacific nations grapple with the consequences of climate change—consequences they did not cause.
The collaboration among Pacific nations is being reinforced by initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to enhance access to climate financing and empower local communities to implement solutions tailored to their unique challenges. As they approach upcoming climate negotiations, Pacific leaders are hopeful that their collective advocacy can drive significant global action, emphasizing that climate change knows no borders and its impacts are far-reaching.
As the dialogue around climate action continues, the Pacific Islands demonstrate resilience and unity in their efforts to secure a sustainable future for their communities and the environments on which they depend. This narrative of hope and collaboration fuels an optimistic outlook as they prepare to address the complex challenges posed by climate change at COP30.