Adaptation to the overwhelming impacts of climate change has become crucial for Pacific communities, as articulated during the ongoing climate change negotiations in Samoa. Solomon Islands negotiator Melissa Horokou emphasized the dire need for adaptation strategies, stating that for her nation and others in the region, it represents a fundamental matter of survival.
“Adaptation is critical. It’s either we learn to live and adapt to these changes, or we will struggle to survive,” said Horokou, who is representing the Solomon Islands Ministry of Climate Change. The event serves as a pivotal gathering for climate change negotiators ahead of the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled in Belem, Brazil.
As Pacific nations unify efforts toward adaptation, Horokou noted the necessity of finalizing indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). These indicators are essential to ensure that adaptation priorities are prioritized and adequately resourced. “Finalizing the indicators on the GGA is at the forefront of our agenda; we must ensure that our community needs are adequately represented,” she stated.
The GGA encompasses around 100 indicators that span across seven thematic areas, focusing on critical components such as water, food, health, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. These indicators will be crucial for tracking climate resilience efforts and will be negotiated under the UAE-Belem work programme.
The recent pre-COP30 meeting, chaired by Tuvalu, serves as one of the final opportunities for Pacific nations to solidify their climate priorities. Horokou expressed the importance of the COP as a platform for amplifying the region’s concerns. She stated, “The COP provides us the opportunity to discuss issues that directly impact us and to voice our priorities.”
In echoing the sentiment of regional leaders, the need for a united front in climate negotiations was highlighted as paramount. There is a shared aspiration among Pacific countries for COP30 outcomes to deliver ambitious targets on adaptation, with calls for enhanced climate financing and substantial follow-through on global emissions reduction commitments.
Hope remains as Pacific leaders leverage their collective voice in these crucial negotiations. As they prepare for more climate discussions, there is optimism that this collaborative approach will foster significant global action to protect vulnerable communities across the Pacific. With ongoing advocacy and commitment to adaptation, a resilient and proactive future for the Pacific Islands is within reach.