Solomon Islands Environment Minister Polycarp Paea conveyed a powerful message at the 3rd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance in Belém, underscoring that Pacific nations are at the forefront of a climate crisis they did not create. He highlighted the stark reality that these nations emit less than 0.03 percent of global emissions while facing severe consequences, including rising sea levels, increasingly intense storms, and the erosion of cultural heritage and livelihoods.
In his remarks, Paea referred to the recent Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice, which reiterated that wealthy nations have a binding obligation to assist developing countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), with financial resources, technology, and capacity building. He emphasized that these obligations are not optional; they are essential for fairness and accountability as outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
Paea also expressed support for the Baku to Belém Roadmap’s goal of scaling climate finance from billions to trillions by 2035, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that such funding is both predictable and fair. He warned against debt-based solutions, stating that Pacific economies, already strained by high debt-to-GDP ratios, require grant-based and concessional finance that is timely, simplified, and accessible.
Addressing the urgent need for immediate action, Paea criticized the long delays in project approvals, which can extend for five years or more, leading to dire consequences such as loss of lives and displacement of cultures. He stated that the global financial architecture must adapt to deliver climate finance swiftly and at the necessary scale to match the escalating crisis.
Paea declared that climate finance is both a legal responsibility and a matter of survival, emphasizing, “For the Pacific, climate finance is our right to survive, to thrive, and to secure a future for generations now and yet to come.” He was joined by representatives from other Pacific nations, including Fiji, Tuvalu, and the Federated States of Micronesia, who echoed similar sentiments regarding the urgency of addressing these climate finance challenges.
As global leaders prepare for forthcoming international negotiations, these strong calls for equitable climate financing reflect a united front among Pacific nations, striving to secure their futures in the face of climate change challenges. Their collective voices contribute hope for a more collaborative global approach that prioritizes the unique needs of vulnerable communities and fosters resilience against the impacts of climate change.