Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has called for a united and ambitious Pacific position on climate change ahead of COP31, saying the region’s declaration must reflect the realities facing all vulnerable Pacific countries.
Speaking at the Pacific Pre-COP31 Leaders Plenary in Denarau, Napat said climate change was already a daily reality for Pacific communities and was causing increasing damage to economies, communities and livelihoods.
“Climate change is a live reality across all Pacific island countries and for our people,” Napat said.
He said the Taku Pakasoa Declaration must be inclusive of all Pacific vulnerable countries and ensure the region’s concerns were clearly reflected in the lead-up to COP31 in Türkiye.
“Our fight against climate change requires collective action,” he said.
Napat said rising global temperatures approaching the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold were already producing wide-ranging impacts across the Pacific, beyond the effects of El Niño.
“Over the past decade, the Pacific has experienced an increasing frequency and intensity of climate impacts devastating our economies, our communities, and our people,” he said.
He said the Pacific’s campaign for stronger climate action had been reinforced by the International Court of Justice(ICJ) advisory opinion following the Vanuatu-led initiative.
Napat thanked Pacific leaders, climate advocates, partners and others who supported the initiative through to the ICJ.
“The Court’s opinion has reinforced that a 1.5 degrees Celsius target is an agreed mandate and not just a moral obligation,” he said.
He said the opinion strengthened the Pacific’s position ahead of COP31 and efforts to hold developed countries accountable for their climate obligations.
Napat also referred to the BELAU Declaration, which Pacific leaders endorsed and which outlines immediate actions to keep the 1.5-degree goal within reach.
“Vanuatu strongly believes that the BELAU Declaration represents the highest level of Pacific ambition and sets out our strategy priorities at this critical juncture,” he said.
He said the region’s climate response must include action by governments, industries and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect ecosystems and limit global warming.
Napat said Vanuatu would support the Taku Pakasoa Declaration as Pacific leaders prepare for COP31.
“We stand in solidarity with our Pacific family who speak with one voice and Vanuatu will support the Taku Pakasoa Declaration as we move towards COP31,” he said.
