Nauru, and Pacific communities at the forefront of climate change impacts, are not just amplifying the call for a 1.5-degree world simply to stay alive.
Nauru’s Minister for Climate Change and National Resilience, Asterio Appi, has told world leaders attending the latest round of the global climate change negotiations in Baku Azerbaijan the people of his country deserve more.
“We know all know too well the popular phrase 1.5 to stay alive! Mr President, we intend to do more than just stay alive, we also intend to prosper and thrive. So, I say 1.5 to stay alive, climate finance to thrive!” he said.
Minister Appi’s optimism was greeted by applause from world leaders on Tuesday, during the resumed High-Level segment of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
According to the Nauruan Minister, leaders are used to meeting at COPs amidst a wave of dire projections regarding the state of the climate.
“Greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures, and sea levels continue their unabated climb. Record cyclones, rainfall events, and heatwaves hammer countries around the world,” he said. “The only thing that does not seem to be on an upward trajectory is climate finance, which continues to lag far behind developing country needs.”
But Pacific Island countries like Nauru are not sitting idle. Appi highlighted his country’s ambitious plans to build their community’s resilience to climate change impacts and drive down emissions.
Next year, Nauru will submit the next update of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The centrepiece of the updated NDC will be the Higher Ground Initiative, a multi-generational urban development plan that will transform our single island Republic of 12,000 people.
“As with many small islands, our housing and essential infrastructure are concentrated in low-lying coastal areas. Due to projected sea level rise, much of this must be relocated,” Minister Appi shared.
“After a nearly three-year planning and design process, we have completed a new master land use plan, as well as a detailed site plan for Nauru’s first smart village. Leveraging climate smart urbanism, the Higher Ground Initiative will deliver enormous benefits essential to the task of responding to climate impacts.”
The Minister of Climate Change and National Resilience added that they are ready to begin construction of the 10-hectare Smart Village, once financing is secured.
“In this regard, we have submitted a concept note on the Higher Ground Initiative to the Green Climate Fund, and humbly request their support.”
On climate finance, which is a critical issue in Baku, Nauru reiterated that COP29 must catalyse scaled-up climate finance commensurate with the needs of developing countries.
“Adaptation finance must be grant-based or highly concessionary not to increase the unsustainable debt burden faced by so many countries. The new global goal on finance should reflect this reality and be rooted in developing country need rather than political expediency.”
COP29 is taking place at a critical time and requires urgent action and cooperation to address its consequences. Minister Appi is leading the delegation from Nauru who are amongst more than 300 delegates from Pacific countries advocating for the survival of Pacific communities from worsening climate change impacts.
“The climate crisis is relentless, and it will not wait. How many more COP meetings must I attend to grasp the depth of the challenges facing my island nation? The truth is, we cannot afford to delay. Action cannot wait for the next COP; it must begin now. We urge the global community to match our courage with unwavering commitment and provide the essential support our nations require.”
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is taking place from 11-22 November 2024 in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
