From vulnerability to action: Asia-Pacific leaders call for global responsibility

The Prime Ministers of Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Tuvalu and Tonga emphasized the role of the United Nations as a platform to promote unified, decisive action to reduce this threat.

Indeed, the theme of collective action resonated strongly through the speeches, as they united in delivering the message that without timely action, vulnerable countries like theirs were at risk. marginalized in an increasingly precarious world.

In their speech, the leaders emphasized the critical importance of climate resilience and sustainable development, and called on the international community to provide significant financial support.

They call on the global community to heed their warnings and take action, not only for the good of their countries but for the health of the entire planet.

‘No chance’ if things don’t change

First in the group, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of VanuatuHe said while industrialized nations continue to grow their economies, small island developing states are bearing the brunt of climate change affecting their development and aspirations. .

“If the current carbon emissions trajectory continues on its dangerous path, Vanuatu will have no chance of achieving its recent status as a developing country,” he said.

Refers to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), he warns that the window for real action to restore the health of the planet is rapidly closing.

“Female [IPCC] warns us that we are likely to cross dangerous temperature thresholds within the next 10 years,” he said, adding that “despite this scathing report, the global response to the threat The threat of climate change remains below average, undermining sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts.”

‘Survival of the fittest’ is not sustainable

James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guineaemphasizing that amid the existential threat of climate change, the relentless pursuit of wealth and unsustainable exploitation of the Earth’s resources are endangering future generations.

He criticized the “survival of the fittest” attitude, in which nations and corporations compete to exploit resources, leading to environmental degradation, deforestation, fossil fuel burning and pollution, making poverty becomes more serious.

Despite its own economic challenges, Papua New Guinea remains committed to protecting both marine and forest ecosystems for the benefit of future generations.

However, he noted that access to climate finance remains a significant challenge, and called on world leaders to address the issue urgently. Without support, Papua New Guinea may be forced to exploit its forest and marine resources to meet development and poverty reduction goals.

“For this reason, I express my solidarity with all forested countries, especially those in the Congo basin and the Amazon basin for adequate compensation if we want to conserve these areas. forests are in fact the lungs of the Earth.”

Estimates ‘worrying’

Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of TuvaluHe said that as a small island, rising sea levels due to climate change “is and always will be” his country’s top priority.

“It is not just a development priority, it is also a survival priority,” he emphasized, warning that the Pacific “that once defined us will soon engulf us and determine our destiny.” exists in our future”, if sea level rise is not stopped and Tuvalu’s coasts are not stopped. reinforced and strengthened.

He cited “worrying” sea-level rise estimates that by 2050 – 26 years from now – more than 50% of his country’s mainland will be regularly flooded by frequent rising tides.

Fifty years later, in 2100, he added, more than 90 percent of the land area will suffer the same fate.

These projections do not take into account extreme climate conditions such as tornadoes and hurricanes that would “exponentially accelerate” the likelihood of reaching those thresholds, he said.

We must ‘turn things around’

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoaalso issued a warning about climate change, calling for increased investment to adapt and minimize its impacts.

“We’re not even at the end of 2024, but we’re already seeing countries in every corner of the world hit by extreme weather events – from raging bushfires to floods,” she said. devastating floods and scorching heat waves.”

She highlighted the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States, noting that its impact is felt more widely due to their unique circumstances and lack of capacity to respond quickly and effectively. .

Highlight the impacts of climate change, which can manifest in food insecurity, lack of water or energy supplies, competition for natural resources, loss of livelihoods and forced migration, Samoa’s leader calls for urgent and significant investments to mitigate climate change, strengthen adaptation, and build more resilient economies.

“We must do more to turn the tide, honor our commitments and obligations and take urgent and ambitious climate action now,” she said.

‘Ready’ to contribute

Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republicechoing the disproportionate impact on vulnerable countries, he is a landlocked and least developed country.

“Despite being one of the least polluting countries in the world, Lao PDR, like many other countries, has suffered the severe consequences of climate change and natural disasters,” he said.

The impact of climate change, worth noting. He noted that more frequent and devastating disasters represent real threats to international peace and security, as do geopolitical tensions, conflicts, economic crises and poverty increase.

They also jeopardize attainment Sustainable development goals (SDG) and the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.

“Even though Lao PDR is landlocked, we are ready to contribute to international efforts to protect the environment, and call for support measures to further strengthen adaptability and resilience to cope with future impacts”.

It’s about ‘our identity’

Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, Prime Minister of Tongaalso reiterates that urgency.

“Decade after decade, year after year, we present to this esteemed body the existential threat that climate change poses to the Pacific, including Tonga,” he said. ,” but this year the situation is even more serious.

“There is no doubt that we are on the brink of a climate disaster,” he declared.

Citing the report of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) affirmed that 2023 would be the hottest year on record, adding that sea level rise in the Southwest Pacific is significantly exceeding the global average, reaching up to 15 centimeters in some areas over the past 30 years.

Rising sea levels are eroding coastlines, swallowing entire islands and forcing families to abandon their ancestral homelands, he said, “this is not just a loss of land – it’s also a loss of identity.” us, lose our heritage and culture.”

“For Pacific nations, these changes are not simply an environmental issue; they are existential threats that endanger the existence of small island states in the Pacific, including Tonga,” he said.