Pacific Island nations are urgently calling for immediate action at COP30, emphasizing that maintaining global warming within 1.5°C has transitioned from a political aspiration to a scientific imperative. During ongoing climate negotiations, Karlos Lee Moresi, the Team Leader for Climate Finance and Resilience at the Pacific Islands Forum, articulated the key priorities for the region: limiting temperature rise, securing climate finance, protecting oceans, and ensuring that Pacific voices are central to future discussions.
Moresi asserted, “Our number one priority has always been 1.5 degrees to stay alive.” He underscored the shift in perception surrounding this goal, stressing that it is now entrenched in scientific reality rather than mere political rhetoric. Furthermore, he insisted on the immediate need for resources to support adaptation efforts, underlining the ongoing difficulties faced by Pacific nations in accessing adequate climate funding.
Oceans play a critical role in the region’s agenda, which Moresi described as essential not only for livelihoods but as vital components of the Earth’s ecological balance. “Oceans we see not just in terms of the livelihoods of the Pacific, but as the lungs of the universe,” he stated, highlighting the region’s identity as both the Blue Pacific and as large ocean states.
The focus is also on shaping the future COP31, which Australia aims to host. Moresi clarified, “We’re not saying it’s an Australia-Pacific COP anymore. We’re just saying it’s a Pacific COP to be hosted by Australia,” emphasizing the need for Pacific priorities, including ocean protection and access to climate finance mechanisms like the Pacific Resilience Facility, to remain at the forefront.
Highlighting the legal backing for their advocacy, Moresi referred to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, arguing that it strengthens arguments regarding climate finance obligations and can significantly influence global decision-making on climate action.
Despite the complexities involved in negotiations, the Pacific remains resolute in elevating its priorities, including adaptation, climate finance, ocean protection, and social inclusion. Moresi noted the presence of champions for various causes—gender, social inclusion, and transitions towards sustainability—aiming to ensure that these key issues are respected and incorporated into COP outcomes.
On the subject of recent climate science warnings, particularly regarding a potential temporary rise above 1.5°C as reported by the World Meteorological Organization, Moresi reaffirmed the Pacific’s commitment to maintaining focus on this critical threshold. He stated, “Even if it’s overshoot temporarily, we need to keep pushing this narrative to try and bring it back down.” He acknowledged progress in renewable energy investments while urging continued implementation efforts that align with the 1.5°C target.
As the COP30 negotiations progress, the Pacific Islands are advocating for a climate agenda centered on survival, financing access, and ocean stewardship, ensuring the voices of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities are heard in global decision-making. There is a sense of hope that through their unified calls for action, significant progress can be made in addressing climate challenges for their region and the planet as a whole.