The United Nations Secretary-General has issued a stark warning that major polluters must take immediate action to cut emissions or risk triggering a global catastrophe.
During the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, he emphasized, “The Pacific is today the most vulnerable area of the world,” highlighting the significant injustices faced by small island nations exacerbated by climate change.
“The small islands don’t contribute to climate change, but the consequences are disproportionately severe here,” he stated, warning that rising sea levels are a universal threat.
This concern was underscored as the UN released two alarming reports detailing the impacts of rising sea levels on Pacific nations.
The World Meteorological Organization’s report on the State of the Climate in the South West Pacific has revealed that this region is grappling with rising sea levels, warming oceans, and increasing acidity due to higher carbon dioxide absorption. “Greenhouse gases, largely from fossil fuel combustion, are heating our planet,” he added.
“The ocean is literally taking the heat,” he proclaimed.
This year’s forum theme, “transformative resilience,” was put to the test when heavy rains flooded the new auditorium, resulting in evacuations following a significant earthquake.
Joseph Sikulu, a Pacific climate advocacy director, remarked on the event’s volatility, emphasizing the necessity for robust preparedness in the region.
A street parade nearby featured dancers from various Pacific island communities, including Torres Strait Islanders, Tongans, and Samoans, showcasing resilience with banners stating: “We are not drowning, we are fighting” and “Sea levels are rising – so are we.” These sentiments echo a critical challenge amplified by a UN Climate Action Team report, which highlighted unprecedented global sea level rise rates.
The report reveals that sea levels have risen by an average of 9.4 cm over the past 30 years, with some areas in the tropical Pacific experiencing increases of up to 15 cm.
“It’s vital for influential nations, particularly Australia and New Zealand, to witness these realities and the resilience of our communities,” Sikulu stated.
“A core aspect of our culture is the ability to maintain joy in adversity, which is how we exhibit our resilience,” he emphasized.
This marks Secretary-General’s second attendance at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which convenes leaders from 18 Pacific nations.
During the ceremony, leaders faced heavy rains and subsequent flooding, shortly followed by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, underscoring the region’s vulnerability.
Reflecting on a 2019 visit to Tuvalu, he noted significant changes regarding rising sea levels. He observed a commitment among Pacific Islanders to mitigate the effects of climate change, yet pointed out the inadequacies of international financial systems for small island states.
“Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of urgency hinder essential funding for vital projects,” he lamented, particularly for initiatives like constructing sea walls that communities have been waiting years for.
He called for increased financial solidarity and support for adaptation measures, stressing the gulf between promises and the actual funding needed to assist developing nations.
Many Pacific island representatives highlighted Australia’s roles as the largest regional donor and emitter.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a plan to boost gas extraction and usage until 2050, contrary to calls for phasing out fossil fuels.
When asked about emissions, the Secretary-General asserted, “There is a critical responsibility for major polluters.”
He warned that failure to act could breach the 1.5C threshold established in the Paris Agreement, aimed at keeping global warming well below 2C.
He reiterated the urgent need to cut global emissions by 43% from 2019 levels by 2030 and 60% by 2035 to prevent catastrophic consequences for the planet.
Despite rising emissions globally by 1% last year, he stressed the obligation for G20 nations, responsible for 80% of emissions, to unite and ensure reductions.
He urged businesses contributing significantly to global emissions to take responsibility, declaring, “It’s time to say ‘enough’.”
