COP30 negotiations have commenced at the Hangar Convention Centre in Belém, Brazil, where over 190 countries are converging, including climate change negotiators and leaders from the Pacific Islands. The conference aims to tackle the urgent challenges posed by climate change, with a focus on establishing indicators to measure adaptation efforts and creating a roadmap to significantly increase climate finance commitments.
A central point of discussion is the commitment of Pacific nations to limit the global temperature rise to within the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The selection of the host for COP31, set for 2026, is viewed as a crucial milestone in the advocacy efforts of Pacific leaders. Australia, backed by these nations, has proposed to co-host the conference alongside the Pacific, with Turkey also putting forth a bid.
Minister Mona Ainu’u of Niue underscored the importance of an Australian-hosted conference, calling it a significant milestone and expressing hope for positive outcomes. She emphasized the importance of producing tangible results from COP30 and stressed the urgency to fulfill commitments made in prior climate discussions. There is a strong call for the international community to act swiftly on pledges crucial for the survival of Pacific nations, highlighting a multidimensional approach to the climate crisis.
Support for Australia’s bid has been echoed by leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum, who emphasized the need for a “Pacific COP” to bring attention to the unique vulnerabilities these nations face due to climate threats. They referenced the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Kainaki II Declaration, which recognize climate change as an existential threat to the region, urging a unified global response to safeguard livelihoods and bolster climate resilience.
As negotiations progress in Belém, the decision on who will host COP31 is still pending, with Bonn, Germany as a fallback option if no consensus is achieved. Nevertheless, Pacific nations continue to advocate for sustained climate action, driven by a shared belief that their voices and challenges must be prioritized in global discussions.
There is hope that COP31 will effectively advocate for enhanced climate action, helping to align international climate policies with the pressing realities faced by Pacific communities. The ongoing dialogue at COP30 is pivotal in shaping substantial actions that could accelerate both regional and global momentum in addressing the climate crisis while reinforcing partnerships between Pacific nations and their allies.