“Our survival, and the survival of the planet, is on the line,” declared Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu as he unveiled the nation’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 at the ‘Special High-Level Event on Climate Action’.
This ambitious pledge underscores the vital role that small island nations play in the global climate dialogue and reaffirms Tuvalu’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Prime Minister Teo noted, “As we mark 10 years since the Paris Agreement, this is a defining moment for boldness,” highlighting that Tuvalu’s NDC 3.0 represents the strongest commitment yet to the Paris accord. He emphasised that “even the smallest nations can lead” in the fight against climate change.
Key elements of Tuvalu’s NDC 3.0 include a commitment to a 100 percent reduction of emissions from the electricity sector by 2030 and an 80% cut in total emissions from the energy sector by 2035, alongside a path to zero-carbon development by 2050.
Teo stressed that these goals will be pursued in a just and fair manner, respecting the rights and dignity of the Tuvaluan people.
In his address, Prime Minister Teo called upon major emitters to enhance climate action, urging them to:
– Implement binding commitments to tackle methane emissions,
– Transition away from fossil fuels,
– Honour climate finance commitments for a just transition, and
– Deliver new NDCs aligned with the 1.5°C target ahead of COP30.
“The ICJ advisory opinion on climate change has made it clear that inaction is both immoral and unlawful,” he stated, advocating for collective action and underscoring that “cutting methane is the fastest, scalable way to slow global warming and buy critical time for long-term decarbonization strategies.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of political will and international collaboration in overcoming challenges to achieve these ambitious targets.
“Let us commit not only to setting ambitious targets, but to taking concrete action that ensures a safe and sustainable future for all,” he urged.
This event marks a significant step in Tuvalu’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change, reinforcing its commitment to lead by example on the world stage.
