By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Marshall Islands Climate Envoy Tina Stege says the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change reinforces Pacific leadership and regional solidarity in the global fight for climate justice.
“Climate diplomacy is an area that the Marshall Islands has focused on for many years. In all the work we do, we are grounded in the needs of our people and in our relationships as a Pacific island nation,” Stege said at a side event on the ICJ opinion during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
She highlighted past Pacific wins, including the recognition of the 1.5-degree temperature limit in the Paris Agreement and the establishment of a loss and damage fund.
“For 30 years, there wasn’t even recognition that loss and damage needed to be addressed. We didn’t give up, and now we have a fund. The question now is whether it will deliver,” Stege said.
She also highlighted the Marshall Islands’ role in pushing for shipping decarbonisation at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“That would never have happened without the push from the Marshall Islands and our Pacific brothers and sisters,” she said.
Stege said the ICJ ruling gives the Pacific a stronger legal foundation to build on past successes.
“We need to look at that history as we look forward, always remaining grounded in the needs of our people,” she said.
