Major Talking Points Raised As Negotiations Resumes Today

Solomon Islander Gladys Habu has always been an optimist. Despite the havoc the climate crisis brought on the island she once shared with her family, she still believed in the compassion of humanity.

Reflecting on the 26 years since the first COP took place in Berlin, Germany, Ms Habu knows that there is still far more work to be done.

Last Saturday night, the Blue Pacific Youth representative spoke at the Pacific Islands Forum COP26 High Level Event.

As negotiators return to the negotiating table today and ministers lead political negotiations on finalising parts of the Paris Agreement the days are expected to drag late into the night – to make it operational and effective.

On finance, for the climate vulnerable countries to cope with climate change and address the loss and damage they suffer.

Here are some points raised by Ms Habu:

1. Inclusive and accountable action:

- We seek the opportunity to be well represented at all global climate discussion tables, from COP26 and beyond. Developed nations must  COP26 - If not now, it will never be!

Implement inclusive action with responsibility and accountability, that will translate into keeping 1.5 alive.

2. Increased adaptation and mitigation support:

- COP26 must ensure that the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage is thoroughly operationalised, in a just and accountable manner.

Furthermore, the ocean climate nexus must be included in UNFCCC priority deliberations.

3. Enhanced provision of climate finance:

- The delay in delivering the $100 billion climate goal as promised in 2020  was an injustice to many Pacific Island nations. Developed countries must deliver timely, enhanced and accessible climate finance to support  livelihoods in vulnerable communities

“Many of the biggest polluting countries around the world, some of whom we consider our friends and allies, have abandoned their responsibilities and failed to take ambitious climate action. They have neglected their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“A good friend will always be there in our hour of greatest need and it is not too late to change course,” Ms Habu said.

Prime Minister and chair of the Pacific Island Forum Voreqe Bainimarama used the opportunity to again rally the support of fellow Pacific island leaders and ministers.

He posed the question – As the Blue Pacific Continent, what action do we demand from COP26?

“We need every world leader to take immediate action that limits global warming to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.

“1.5-degree is not just a preference –– it should be a promise that we do not break.”

But to keep the 1.5 degree pathway alive, all countries must announce commitments for serious cuts in emissions by 2030, transition from non-renewable fossil fuel based industries and a commitment to net-zero by 2050.

Negotiations to resolve outstanding issues over the coming week remain our best chance to keep the 1.5 degrees threshold within reach, and avoid a global climate catastrophe.

“The 1.5 degree target can be reached because I believe in the potential of collective action and the power of humanity. I remain hopeful that the leaders of those countries which have so far refused to act or have shown limited ambition will do the right thing at the end of the day. The future of their children and our children rests on it,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Former US president, Barack Obama, is expected to be at the summit this week.

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj