Despite the absence of one of the world’s biggest emitters the United States at the global climate talks in Brazil, Pacific representatives say the momentum to tackle climate change remains strong, driven by global solidarity and scientific evidence.
Speaking during an online media briefing from COP30 in Belem, Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Climate Finance and Resilience Team Leader, Karlos Lee Moresi, said the absence of major polluters will not derail progress, stressing that climate change impacts are borderless.
“Despite the biggest emitter being absent, the global momentum and the agency of addressing climate change do not rest with one individual country,” Moresi said.
“A lot of countries are also starting to realise that.”
He acknowledged that some nations, notably the United States, have shown divisions in their climate stance, but noted that local and state-level initiatives continue to strengthen the global push for action.
“You see the dynamics within the U.S — you have the federal president saying one thing, and you have the states doing another,” he said. “That ground momentum, I feel, can overpower or overshadow what I call the minority narrative.”
Responding to questions from Pasifika Environews/PACNEWS on how Pacific representatives intend to make their voices heard amid climate denial narratives, Moresi said the region continues to rely on scientific evidence and lived experiences to make its case on the world stage.
“We also rely on the science. We use the science to back up our claims,” he said.
“We have a lot of people here from all over the world telling their stories of the impact.”
With over 56,000 registered participants at this year’s COP, Moresi said the strong global turnout reflects an undeniable commitment to climate action, regardless of political rhetoric.
“Climate change has no borders,” he reiterated. “Eventually, the impacts will be felt — and are already starting to be felt — by people in the countries that are denying climate change.”
For the Pacific, he added, the message remains clear: the fight against climate change will continue, with or without the participation of the world’s biggest polluters.
