Pacific communities are increasingly recognizing the urgent need to adapt to the severe impacts of climate change, a sentiment prominently discussed during the ongoing climate change negotiations in Samoa. Melissa Horokou, a negotiator for the Solomon Islands, underscored the critical nature of adaptation strategies, describing them as vital for survival amid escalating climate challenges.
“Adaptation is critical. It’s either we learn to live and adapt to these changes, or we will struggle to survive,” stated Horokou, speaking on behalf of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Climate Change. The negotiations represent a key moment for climate change advocates ahead of the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) set to take place in Belem, Brazil.
As Pacific nations rally around the imperative of adaptation, Horokou highlighted the urgent need to finalize indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). These indicators will be crucial in prioritizing and resourcing adaptation needs effectively. “Finalizing the indicators on the GGA is at the forefront of our agenda; we must ensure that our community needs are adequately represented,” she expressed.
The GGA involves approximately 100 indicators covering seven thematic areas, targeting essential components such as water, food security, health, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. These metrics will be instrumental in evaluating climate resilience initiatives, to be negotiated under the UAE-Belem work programme.
The recent pre-COP30 meeting, overseen by Tuvalu, represents one of the final chances for Pacific nations to cement their climate-related priorities. Horokou emphasized the significance of the COP as a vital platform to highlight regional concerns. “The COP provides us the opportunity to discuss issues that directly impact us and to voice our priorities,” she remarked.
There is a strong consensus among Pacific leaders regarding the necessity for a united stance in climate negotiations. They are collectively hopeful that the outcomes of COP30 will yield ambitious adaptation targets, alongside increased climate financing and robust commitments to global emissions reductions.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism as Pacific leaders harness their collective voice for these pivotal negotiations. The ongoing advocacy for adaptation signifies a proactive approach towards securing a resilient future for the Pacific Islands, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing the vulnerabilities faced by these communities.