German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday said Europe should step up support for small island nations in the Pacific whose existence is threatened by climate change.
Wadephul, during a visit to Tonga, urged European policymakers to approach the challenge with openness rather than prejudice.
Tonga, located about 2,300 kilometres north-east of New Zealand, is made up of more than 170 islands, of which roughly 36 are inhabited. Like other South Pacific island states, it faces severe climate risks, including rising sea levels, tropical cyclones and coastal erosion.
Wadephul said that while aid should not be distributed recklessly, the European Union could be more flexible, proactive and present in the region.
The foreign minister met with King Tupou VI, Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua and Foreign and Defence Minister Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala in Nuku’alofa.
The German minister said that money spent to strengthen the resilience of island states against climate change is well spent. Rising seas are eroding coastlines and making some areas uninhabitable, while extreme weather and declining fish stocks threaten livelihoods, he added.
Wadephul said Germany had contributed €5 million ($5.9 million) to the Pacific Island Forum’s regional climate fund and noted that the newly established Pacific Resilience Facility would be based in Tonga.
