BELÉM, 4 November 2025 – The UN Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report 2025 has issued a grave warning regarding the state of global climate action, indicating that the world is on a trajectory toward a dangerous 2.3–2.5°C increase in temperature. This alarming projection puts the targets of the Paris Agreement even further out of reach, particularly impacting the Pacific region, which is already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change.
Dr. Sindra Sharma, International Policy Lead at PICAN, emphasized the report’s dire implications for Pacific Island nations, describing the current global ambition as inadequate for ensuring their safety. The report highlights a critical gap between climate pledges and the substantive actions needed to limit warming to 1.5°C. It points out that even the alarming figures may underestimate the extent of the crisis, as they do not include emissions from military activities.
As the world approaches COP30 in Belém, the urgency for a decisive shift away from fossil fuels is more pressing than ever. Sharma called for global leaders to adopt courageous and ambitious policies, demanding a full phase-out of fossil fuels accompanied by justice and support for affected communities. Timely action is essential since every increment of warming brings more risk to vulnerable populations in the Pacific.
At COP30, PICAN will join the call for substantial commitments from governments to phase out fossil fuels, increase climate financing, and integrate justice into international negotiations. This echoes sentiments expressed recently by Pacific leaders, including Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Biman Prasad, during discussions following COP29. Prasad stressed the need for international unity and strong political leadership, emphasizing that Pacific nations deserve to be heard and prioritized in global climate discourse.
Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, previously highlighted the existential threat climate change poses to Pacific nations. He framed the climate crisis as not only a regional issue but a global concern, asserting that inaction affects all of humanity. The Pacific Islands’ voices must resonate powerfully in COP30 as they advocate for concrete actions that reflect their experiences and urgency.
The pressure is mounting for world leaders to convert commitments into action. The findings of the UNEP report and the previous discussions at COP29 indicate a critical need for a unified response that mobilizes resources and efforts to tackle climate change effectively. There remains a glimmer of hope that the collective advocacy of Pacific leaders can catalyze meaningful global action, ultimately safeguarding the fragile ecosystems and communities they represent.