Hundreds of individuals congregated in Suva today for the Run for Climate, an event orchestrated by the European Union (EU), the German Embassy, the Alliance for Future Generations, and Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. This initiative serves to amplify awareness about the urgent need for climate action as the countdown to the COP30 summit in Brazil begins.
EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, underscored the importance of the event, stating that the Pacific region is exceptionally susceptible to the ramifications of climate change. She remarked, “This is to raise awareness about the global climate emergencies, as there is no region in the world that’s more affected than the Pacific.” Plinkert emphasized the ongoing partnership between the EU and Fiji, reiterating that addressing climate change is a fundamental priority in their collaborative efforts.
The EU’s dedication to supporting Fiji is clear, with approximately 70 percent of its funding in the Pacific allocated to climate-related initiatives. These projects encompass renewable energy, hydropower, and assistance with Fiji’s Climate Act implementation. Plinkert declared, “We are helping Fiji implement its Climate Act and strengthen resilience. It’s a joint effort between the EU, Germany, and the Pacific.”
Eparama Qerewaqa, Executive Coordinator of the Alliance for Future Generations, highlighted the event’s timeliness, describing it as a show of solidarity among Pacific nations as they prepare for the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil.
The Run for Climate is part of a larger commitment in the Pacific region to confront climate issues. A recent partnership involving the Climate Change Act between the EU and Fiji, which includes an investment of $32.3 million, is aimed at promoting climate action across multiple government sectors. This funding is designated for bolstering ecosystem resilience and advancing Fiji’s ambitious climate goals.
As Fiji and its Pacific allies continue to focus on enhancing climate resilience and sustainability, there is a prevailing sense of optimism that collective actions and community involvement can yield significant progress in the fight against climate change. The Run for Climate symbolizes the ongoing commitment to unite in addressing these urgent challenges.