In this bulletin:
1. UN — UN Climate chief says fossil fuel crisis driving global instability
2. UN — UN SG Guterres urges countries to ‘unleash the renewables revolution’
3. PACIFIC — Tiny Pacific nations face tough choices on food, fuel posed by Iran war
4. TONGA — Tonga and Waitt Deepen Ocean Partnership
5. PNG — PM Marape retains defence portfolio as PNGDF recruitment probe begins
6. AUST — Australian Minister Keogh heads to PNG for Anzac Day, honours Kokoda bond
7. CNMI — U.S Federal emergency prescription programme activated to support uninsured CNMI residents following Sinlaku
8. FIJI — Calls for education that protects and prepares Pacific children
9. FIJI — PM Rabuka reaffirms Fiji–UNFPA partnership on development priorities
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Invoking Biketawa: the Pacific’s regional response to the fuel crisis explained
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Bougainville Wings launched to drive economic growth and market access
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Beyond the Catch: Fiji Champions Human Dignity in the Blue Pacific
13. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA Supports Vanuatu Fisheries with Training on Tuna Canning and Squid Export Requirements
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Strait of Hormuz: With hunger looming, life-saving fertiliser shipments cannot wait, head of UN task force says
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Second PNG Media Summit elevated to regional event
UN – CLIMATE CHANGE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
UN Climate Chief says fossil fuel crisis driving global instability
BERLIN, 22 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has warned that rising fossil fuel costs and global instability are putting pressure on economies, calling for urgent acceleration of climate action.
“These are perilous times.”
“But this latest war has further locked-in much higher fossil fuel costs for months and likely years to come, delivering a gut-punch to every nation and billions of households,” Stiell said at the opening of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany.
Stiell warned of broader economic risks from global conflicts and their economic fallout.
“Fossil-fuel driven stagflation is now stalking economies – driving up prices, driving down growth, pushing budgets deeper into quagmires of debt, and stripping away governments’ policy options and autonomy.”
He said climate cooperation is central to tackling both economic and environmental threats.
“Climate cooperation is key to fending off the twin-reapers of global heating and fossil fuel cost chaos.”
Stiell stressed the benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels and made it clear that urgency is increasing.
“Clean energy offers security and affordability – returning sovereignty to nations and their peoples.”
“The need to accelerate action has never been clearer.”
Stiell said negotiations remain important but must now deliver real-world outcomes.
“Negotiations are one – and they remain critical. Now, in this era of implementation – we must turn them into projects on the ground.”
Referring to progress under the Paris Agreement, Stiell said: “They’ve delivered landmark commitments, including at the first global stocktake at COP28.”
He stressed the need for measurable progress ahead of future reviews.
“So that by the second global stocktake at COP33, we are on track to meet the commitments made at the first.”
Stiell called for stronger focus on implementation through the Action Agenda.
“Elevating the Action Agenda to share centre-stage with negotiations is vital to picking up the pace.”
He highlighted its impact, stating it has been “mobilizing trillions of dollars within the real economy” and driving the clean energy shift, adding: “most notably, the clean energy transition is now irreversible.”
“Now, we need to unleash the full power of the Action Agenda the world over – equally, in both the global North and global South.”
Stiell also called for increased investment in developing countries and stronger cooperation between governments, adding: “Far more finance flowing into developing countries.”
He higlighted priority areas for action, including energy systems, methane reduction and food systems.
“Methane is an ultra-potent greenhouse gas. Slashing emissions by 2030 will have a huge impact on putting the brakes on global heating.”
He stressed the importance of resilience measures.
“Early warning systems save lives on a huge scale. Action on food and agriculture has the potential to cut a third of global emissions.”
He highlighted ongoing leadership in shaping the climate agenda, noting efforts linked to upcoming COP processes.
“As every nation at COP30 declared unanimously: Paris is working, and together we will make it go further and faster.”
“This work is key to doing so. So let’s get on with the job,” he said….PACNEWS
UN – RENEWABLE ENERGY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
UN SG Guterres urges countries to ‘unleash the renewables revolution’
NEW YORK/BERLIN, 22 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—UN Secretary-General António Guterres has again urged governments to step up the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy as war and climate risks create unprecedented challenges.
“The conflict in the Middle East has triggered the most severe energy crisis in a generation,” he said in a video message to the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin on Tuesday.
“And it makes one fact crystal clear: fossil fuels are not just wrecking our planet – they are holding economies hostage.”
The Secretary-General made the case for renewable energy investment, which reached US$2.2 trillion last year or double the amount invested in fossil fuels.
He stressed that “homegrown renewables are the cheapest, fastest and most reliable source of new power,” laying the path to real and lasting energy security.
However, this requires action on three fronts.
“First, we must respond to the energy crisis without deepening the climate crisis,” he said, recalling that the world has just experienced the hottest 11 years on record “and every major climate indicator is burning red.”
His second point called for building the necessary infrastructure “to carry clean power to every home” by expanding energy grids, storage and modern power systems.
Finally, the international community must mobilise finance, particularly for developing countries because “without support, the transition will be slower, less fair, and less secure.”
He noted that for developing countries, clean energy finance costs are two to three times higher than in richer economies.
“Yet many developed countries are backing away from climate and development finance commitments,” he added.
The UN chief called for climate justice. He urged countries to uphold climate finance promises, replenish multilateral climate funds, and mobilise US$1.3 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries.
The international community also must significantly scale up adaptation finance “as a matter of survival,” he continued.
Although communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis did the least to create it, they are paying the highest price.
“Adaptation saves lives, protects livelihoods, and strengthens economies,” he said. “And every dollar invested today saves many times more in avoided losses tomorrow.”
The Secretary-General issued a challenge to the international community, saying “we can repeat the failures of the past – or we can unleash the renewables revolution.”
He urged leaders to “make the right choice” for climate stability, energy security and a liveable future for all.
Climate talks
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an international conference convened each year by Germany to advance negotiations ahead of the annual UN COP climate change conferences.
Ministers and high-level envoys from some 40 countries are attending the current talks which run from 20-21 April.
“Discussions are expected to centre on three main priorities: implementation of the Paris Agreement, international climate finance and geopolitical resilience,” according to the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC.
The next UN climate conference, COP31, is scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, this November.
UNFCCC supports the Petersberg Climate Dialogue as part of the broader multilateral climate process.
The informal format “allows parties to explore solutions to complex and sensitive issues outside formal negotiating settings,” it said.
Furthermore, “these exchanges can help identify areas of convergence ahead of the intersessional climate negotiations in Bonn in June and contribute to preparations for decisions at COP31.” ….PACNEWS
PAC – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: REUTERS PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Tiny Pacific nations face tough choices on food, fuel posed by Iran war
WELLINGTON,22 APRIL 2026 (REUTERS)— Far-flung Pacific nations are reeling from the impact of a global fuel crisis as authorities scramble to manage energy supplies while families must grapple with fuel curbs and higher costs for food and access to healthcare.
Global oil supplies are running down as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Aid agencies have warned that the crisis has driven up prices for diesel, petrol and kerosene by as much as 70 percent in Papua New Guinea since the start of the Iran war.
“Many of our communities, because they rely on boat transport for movement are … having challenges bringing food supplies to outlying centres,” said Godfrey Bongomin, programme operations director for World Vision in Papua New Guinea.
With transport to clinics now out of reach financially for some, people were skipping medical appointments and missing life-saving HIV and tuberculosis medicines, added Bongomin. “It is affecting their livelihoods.”
Pacific Island nations are the most reliant on diesel for power generation worldwide, the International Finance Corp said in 2024. Data from Zero Carbon Analytics showed it fuelled more than half of electricity output in 2022, except for Fiji.
Pacific countries imported about 2.2 million metric tons of gasoline, diesel, gasoil and jet fuel in 2025, largely from Singapore and South Korea, Kpler shiptracking data showed.
But imports for the first half of April were just a quarter of the figure for all of March.
The strain in Papua New Guinea, where nearly 40 percent of people live below its poverty line, points to a broader threat across Pacific nations that rely heavily on imported fuel and maritime and air links.
“Even if the ceasefire holds, it will take a while for prices to come down to where they were before the conflict,” said Abdul Abiad, deputy chief economist of the Asian Development Bank. “There’ll be a lot of pain.”
The region was particularly vulnerable as fuel imports are worth between 8 percent and 11 percent of GDP in many countries, and 27 percent in Tuvalu, he added.
If the conflict was resolved quickly, regional growth was expected to moderate by almost a full percentage point in 2026 to 3.4 percent, Abiad said, but if the war continued, it would sap growth further.
“China is willing to maintain communication with all parties and work together to safeguard global energy security,” Guo Jiakun, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said last week in reply to a question on the plight of Pacific states, where the country wields increasing influence.
Across the Pacific, say staff of Catholic aid body Caritas Internationalis, the crisis is squeezing household budgets by driving up travel fares, food prices and costs of other essentials, with low-income families hit hardest.
“You have families that when they’re stretched financially, they’re asking themselves, can I afford to do this anymore or do I need to actually just spend more money on food?” said Kim Koch, regional director for Save the Children, based in Fiji.
Last week the Pacific Islands Forum troika, a group of past, current and incoming chairs, agreed to invoke the region’s emergency response mechanism to tackle the unfolding crisis, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Kiribati, people are struggling to get to work, school and access healthcare, Caritas said. Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands have both declared states of emergency.
The Cook Islands, Nauru and Papua New Guinea have moved to subsidise or cap rising fuel costs, while governments have urged people not to stockpile or panic-buy items, even limiting purchases in some places.
In Fiji, ministers agreed to take a pay cut of 20 percent to help shoulder some of the measures to offset fuel costs, though parliament must approve the change.
Visiting Washington this month, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to look at fuel deliveries for the Pacific, while New Zealand and Australian diplomats have discussed concerns with some nations.
Australia was looking at ways to assist, but domestic supplies were its first priority, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has told media.
But the problem is growing worse.
“The greatest burden (is) falling on ordinary wage earners and vulnerable communities,” said Lillian Bing, secretary general for the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific….PACNEWS
TONGA – OCEAN PARTNERSHIP: TONGA GOVT PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Tonga and Waitt Deepen Ocean Partnership
NUKU’ALOFA, 22 APRIL 2026 (TONGA GOVT)—The Government of Tonga welcomed Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute, for an official visit to Nuku‘alofa to formalise a new partnership supporting Tonga’s long term ocean governance and sustainable development priorities.
The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Tonga and the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute last week Wednesday, and was presided over by the Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga and Mr. Waitt.
The MOU establishes a structured partnership to support the implementation of Tonga’s national ocean agenda, including the soon to be launched National Ocean Policy and the Tonga Ocean Management Plan. It includes performance-based support of up to USD5 million, and provides a framework for technical cooperation, capacity development, and catalytic financing to strengthen national systems for integrated ocean governance and management.
In signing the MOU, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said: “Today’s signing marks an important step in strengthening Tonga’s capacity to manage and protect our ocean. This partnership supports our national priorities and reinforces our commitment to a resilient, well governed, and sustainable ocean future for the Kingdom of Tonga. We welcome the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute’s collaboration and look forward to the practical support this MOU will deliver.”
Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Foundation, added: “The Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute is honoured to partner with the Government of Tonga in advancing its national ocean vision. Tonga has demonstrated strong leadership in ocean stewardship, and we are committed to supporting the country’s efforts through technical expertise, capacity support, and targeted investment.”
Waitt’s programme included engagements with senior officials, members of the Ocean7, and technical agencies working across ocean science, policy, and management.
Tonga and the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute have collaborated since 2017 through strengthening science, legislative development, and compliance and enforcement. The collaboration has included marine scientific surveys, technical and capacity support, and contributions to regional knowledge sharing.
The new MOU strengthens this longstanding partnership by placing it within a nationally led and accountable framework aligning Waitt support with Tonga’s national priorities.
The partnership reflects Tonga’s commitment to a coordinated, future-ready ocean governance and management system, and the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute’s continued support for Pacific leadership in ocean stewardship.
The Government of Tonga expresses its appreciation for the partnership and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s ocean resources for present and future generations.
PNG – DEFENCE: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
PM Marape retains defence portfolio as PNGDF recruitment probe begins
PORT MORESBY, 22 APRIL 2206 (NBC PNG NEWS)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister and Defence Minister James Marape has further clarified the separation of Defence responsibilities from other portfolios currently held within Government, stressing that Defence remains under his direct oversight pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into recruitment.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Dr Billy Joseph does not hold the Defence portfolio, which he said he is personally overseeing at this time.
“In the meantime, Minister Billy has nothing whatsoever to do with the Defence portfolio,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
“Defence comes under my watch until such time when we get the full report, and certainly, subject to the outcome of the investigation, then as Prime Minister, I will decide what to do next,” he added.
Prime Minister Marape explained that while Defence is being retained under his direct responsibility, Dr Billy continues to hold other important national functions, including disaster and emergency services, fire services, and national volunteer services.
He reiterated that these portfolios, while grouped under one minister, are separate in their mandates and operations.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that a formal investigation process into the PNG Defence Force recruitment is underway, with those involved expected to cooperate fully.
“The investigation has started, and those involved in the selection process will be asked to front up before the investigations,” he said.
He emphasised that the Government’s priority is to ensure accountability, transparency, and proper governance, while maintaining uninterrupted delivery of critical services across all sectors.
Prime Minister Marape said further decisions regarding ministerial responsibilities will be made once the investigation report is completed.
Meanwhile, Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said while the media’s efforts to ensure balance and transparency are acknowledged, continued public discussion could affect the integrity of the investigation.
He confirmed that the entire command structure, including the Commander of the Defence Force, is fully cooperating with the probe ordered by Prime Minister and Defence Minister James Marape.
Rear Admiral Polewara said the PNGDF supports the Prime Minister’s directive for an independent review.
He added that remaining silent at this stage will allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
The PNGDF will not comment further until the investigation is completed and official findings are released. …PACNEWS
AUST – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Australian Minister Keogh heads to PNG for Anzac Day, honours Kokoda bond
CANBERRA, 22 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—Australia’s Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh is travelling to Papua New Guinea to mark Anzac Day, highlighting the shared wartime history between the two nations.
“Today I will travel to Papua New Guinea to take part in the Anzac Day service at the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Track.”
He highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, saying: “Australia and Papua New Guinea are more than close neighbours and allies, our people share a special bond forged in war on the Kokoda Track.”
The minister recalled the joint efforts of Australian and Papuan forces during World War II.
“Between July and November 1942, Australians and Papuans joined together along the Track to thwart a Japanese attack on Port Moresby and, ultimately, Australia.”
“Some 8,000 Australians served, enduring stifling heat, dysentery and some of the most challenging terrain imaginable while under sustained Japanese attack.”
“Around 625 were killed and some 1600 were wounded.”
During the visit, Keogh will walk part of the Kokoda Track and meet defence officials, embassy staff and veteran support groups.
“I will complete a section of the Kokoda Track as part of my visit, as well as meeting with defence and embassy officials and locally-based veteran support groups,” he said.
He will also attend commemorations and visit war graves, adding: “In addition to the Anzac Service at Isurava, I will visit several Australian war graves sites.”
Keogh said the trip comes at a key time in bilateral relations.
“My visit comes at an important moment in our countries’ longstanding friendship.”
“Last year our Prime Ministers signed the Pukpuk Treaty, Australia’s first alliance in more than 70 years, underlining our shared commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
The minister said ongoing military cooperation reflects that relationship.
“Australian and Papuan personnel train and work alongside each other in units from each country’s Defence Force, demonstrating mutual trust and comradeship.”
“On Anzac Day, we remember and thank the more than two million Australians who have served country in uniform, particularly the 103,000 killed as a result of their service.”
“Lest we forget,” he said….PACNEWS
CNMI – TYPHOON DAMAGE RESPONSE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
U.S Federal emergency prescription programme activated to support uninsured CNMI residents following Sinlaku
WASHINGTON/SAIPAN, 22 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The U.S Department of Health and Human Services(HSS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for residents of Saipan, Rota and Tinian.
The programme helps uninsured individuals replace essential prescription medications and certain medical equipment that may have been lost or damaged due to Typhoon Sinlaku.
EPAP enables eligible individuals to receive up to a 30-day supply of prescription medications at no cost from participating pharmacies. Refills may be authorized in 30-day increments for as long as the program remains active.
EPAP can cover replacement of select durable medical equipment and supplies, including items such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood glucose meters, and test strips. Certain vaccinations administered at retail pharmacies may also be eligible.
“Disasters can disrupt access to critical medications and supplies, creating serious health risks—especially for those without insurance,” said John Knowx, ASPR principal deputy assistant secretary. “Through EPAP, HHS is working to ensure that uninsured residents in affected communities can continue to access the care and medications they need during recovery.”
Uninsured residents in the impacted areas can call the EPAP hotline at 855-793-7470 or visit the EPAP website to check eligibility, confirm covered medications or supplies, and locate participating pharmacies. Individuals enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program are not eligible, as they are considered insured under the programme.
EPAP offers a streamlined way for enrolled pharmacies to submit claims for covered prescription medications, vaccines, specific medical supplies, and certain types of DME for eligible individuals in federally designated disaster areas. Thousands of pharmacies across the country participate in EPAP, and pharmacies that do not yet participate are encouraged to enroll.
In response to Typhoon Sinlaku, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr has declared a public health emergency for CNMI and Guam to address the storm’s health impacts.
This action follows President Trump’s major disaster declarations for both Guam and CNMI. Activation of EPAP is one component of the broader federal response supporting impacted communities.
ASPR has also deployed response personnel and resources to the region, including a National Disaster Medical System Health and Medical Task Force, a Health Care System Assessment Team, a behaviour health team, and an Incident Management Team.
These teams are supported by medical equipment and supplies to assist with delivering care and assessing health system needs. …PACNEWS
FIJI – EDUCATION: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Calls for education that protects and prepares Pacific children
SUVA, 22 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT)—For many children across the Pacific, getting to school is not always simple.
Some cross flooded rivers, others travel long and difficult routes, and during extreme weather, many cannot attend at all.
These everyday realities were at the heart of discussions led by the Minister for Education,Aseri Radrodro, during the Curriculum Greening and Skills Development Workshop in Nadi.
Speaking to educators and policymakers, Minister Radrodro highlighted how climate change is already disrupting learning as seen during the recent disaster, where Tropical Cyclone Vaianu forced schools to close, turned classrooms into evacuation centres and left over a thousand people seeking shelter.
For many students, education was put on hold, not by choice, but by circumstance.
Beyond major disasters, he stressed that challenges persist daily, especially for children in rural and maritime communities.
Flooded crossings, unreliable transport, and unsafe journeys continue to stand between students and their education.
These are not distant issues, but lived experiences affecting attendance, safety, and learning outcomes.
Minister Radrodro emphasised that education systems must respond to these realities. It is no longer just about classrooms and textbooks, but about ensuring that every child can safely access learning and develop the skills needed to face an uncertain future.
He highlighted the importance of teaching life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, alongside building awareness of climate and environmental challenges.
Minister Radrodro also reassured participants that Fiji is working toward these goals through ongoing reforms, including the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2026–2036 and updates to the Education Bill.
These efforts aim to strengthen teaching, leadership, and curriculum so that no child is left behind.
The workshop which is organised by UNESCO, brought together voices from across the region, united by a shared purpose: to find practical solutions that make education more inclusive, resilient, and accessible. …PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Wed 22 Apr 2026
PM Rabuka reaffirms Fiji–UNFPA partnership on development priorities
SUVA, 22 APRIL 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed Fiji’s cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on national and regional development priorities.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call by UNFPA Executive Director Diane Keita.
The meeting highlighted shared commitments to reproductive health and rights, gender equality and inclusive, people-centred development.
Rabuka acknowledged UNFPA’s support in areas including health, women and social protection, youth, education, and national planning, saying the partnership has helped strengthen population data systems, improve access to reproductive health services, and support initiatives that empower women and girls.
He said Fiji would continue pursuing policy reforms to address social determinants of health, gender-based violence and demographic change, and described UNFPA’s support as vital to that work.
Keita offered condolences to the family of the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, noting his support for United Nations work, including his service as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS.
She acknowledged the Prime Minister for the meeting and said discussions would help strengthen UNFPA’s work and presence in Fiji and the wider region…..PACNEWS
PAC – BIKETAWA DECLARATION/FUEL CRISIS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Invoking Biketawa: the Pacific’s regional response to the fuel crisis explained
HONIARA/SUVA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—In a rare move, Pacific leaders have reportedly moved to invoke the Pacific Islands Forum’s highest regional crisis response measure over a looming fuel crisis.
But despite Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele saying that the Biketawa Declaration has been agreed to, PIF has refused to confirm or deny.
In a statement on 17 April, Manele said the Forum Troika leaders agreed to activate Biketawa, thus “placing the region on a coordinated high alert framework to respond to the unfolding energy security crisis”.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) told RNZ Pacific that they were “aware of reports that Forum Troika has invoked the Biketawa Declaration”, and that they were supportive of regional efforts to respond to regional crises.
“We are working closely with our Pacific Islands Forum partners to understand the fuel supply situation, and potential needs, across the region and how we could assist.”
Invoking Biketawa could be read in a multitude of different ways – from a sign of reassurance for the worst-hit Pacific nations to an SOS for its wealthy neighbours.
However, the true intention probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Ratified at the turn of the millennium, Biketawa sets out a framework for a regional crisis response.
“Forum leaders while respecting the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of another member state, committed themselves and their countries to a number of guiding principles and actions,” it says.
The declaration is designed to address “difficult and sensitive issues, including underlying causes of tensions and conflict,” that could boil over and threaten the unity of “the Pacific Islands extended family”.
Recent usage include to observe the Nauru 2019 elections, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), and to keep everybody together during Covid-19.
In following, the PIF Secretary-General recommends activation to the Forum chair under section 2(i), before seeking information and consent from the extended family under section 2(ii).
The PIF Secretariat in Suva has refused to confirm or deny that any of this is underway.
RNZ Pacific understands that Manele, as the current Forum chair, made the announcement prematurely while other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, had yet to be consulted.
Manele is currently fighting a court battle that would force him to convene parliament, where a majority of MPs have pledged to sack him.
Rather than making direct interventions or overpowering a country’s sovereignty, PIF uses Biketawa to ensure each country is on the same wavelength when it comes to decision making.
Section 2(iii) provides for mechanisms including ministerial action groups, fact finding missions, or support for relevant institutions, that would work with a government at their invitation.
The Forum is reportedly being lobbied to introduce a “Pacific buying block” ahead of a meeting of Pacific energy ministers in Papua New Guinea in early May.
The fuel matter is a crisis of scarcity. While countries like Fiji claim to have assurances, smaller players like Tuvalu have said they have no guarantee of supply from June onwards.
A meeting of various officials at the end of March, convened by the Pacific Regional Security Council (PRSC), laid out some grim possibilities.
“The Pacific is now directly exposed to global shocks that are transmitted through energy markets, maritime supply chains, and financial systems,” according to the PRSC meeting minutes.
“Things are moving very fast … responses have to be quick. The pace of global change is outstripping the ability of existing systems to respond.”
In the following three weeks, public sector fuel crackdowns would become commonplace, and Australia would begin sending vague signals that they are exploring ways to help.
Two tropical cyclones and a typhoon would not have helped matters.
Tuvaluan economics professor Sione Taufa saw it as a test of responsiveness and reliability on the part of PIF’s wealthy neighbours.
“Any country that can provide fuel quickly and reliably during a disruption can gain influence,” he said.
“That is less about who has the largest stockpile on paper, and more about who can deliver refined fuels like diesel, mobilise shipping, and respond quickly in a crisis.”
University of Canterbury’s Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva highly doubts that Australia and New Zealand would “extend their hands of friendship” in any meaningful way.
“At this point in time, everybody’s trying to say things to make people manage their own sense of anxiety,” he said.
“They are looking for the oil they can stock up for themselves even if they’re overstocked. I don’t think they would be in a position to give out the surplus.”
Ratuva, who is a political sociologist by trade, views China as the more likely saviour.
“That’s where they’ll have to play their smart politics in terms of engaging with China … and if you’re not aligned with China, then you’re probably going to go through a very tough situation.”
Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, who have both declared states of emergency over fuel, are aligned with Taiwan….PACNEWS
B/VILLE – AIRLINE: ABG GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Bougainville Wings launched to drive economic growth and market access
BUKA, 22 APRIL 2026 (ABG GOVT)—Bougainville’s economic transformation agenda is set for a boost with the official launch of the Bougainville Wings – a locally owned airline positioned to improve trade, connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.
ABG Minister for Commerce, Robin Wilson, said the successful certification and operational readiness of Bougainville Wings signals a new era for Bougainville’s economic independence and self-reliance.
With the arrival of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B Supervan freighter, Bougainville is now positioned to overcome long-standing logistical barriers that have constrained business growth and limited access to markets.
Minister Wilson described the airline is a key economic enabler under the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan (BISDP) 2023–2027 and Bougainville Vision 2052, with a clear focus on connecting rural producers to domestic and international markets.
He emphasised the transformational impact on local industries.
“It is a game changer – by providing reliable air freight, we are creating a direct bridge between our rural producers and premium markets in Buka, Port Moresby and beyond,” he said.
Bougainville produces high-quality cocoa, copra, fresh produce, and marine resources, but these have often struggled to reach markets due to unreliable and costly transport. The introduction of a dedicated air freight service is expected to significantly reduce these constraints, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale and compete.
In addition to boosting trade, Bougainville Wings is strengthening supply chains through strategic partnerships with established logistics providers, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency across sectors.
“Through smarter partnerships with logistics leaders like DHL and Post PNG, we are streamlining our supply chains. This efficiency allows us to lower the cost of doing business, making Bougainville a more attractive destination for investors and reducing the price of essential goods for our families,” Minister Wilson said.
The airline is also expected to stimulate growth in tourism and support the reopening of key airstrips in remote areas, creating new income opportunities for communities through hospitality and cultural industries.
Bougainville Wings represents a significant investment in people, creating opportunities for high-skilled employment and building a workforce that is capable of supporting a sovereign economy.
Minister Wilson said the launch sends a clear message to investors and partners.
“Bougainville Wings is our statement to the world; we are open for business; we are connected, and we are flying toward a future of self-reliance.” ….PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Beyond the Catch: Fiji Champions Human Dignity in the Blue Pacific
SUVA, 22 APRIL 2026 (FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY)—The sustainability of the Pacific’s “Blue Economy” is shifting its focus from the health of fish stocks to the welfare of the people who catch them.
At the opening of a pivotal three-day Labour Standards Workshop in Suva, Fiji Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Saimone Tauvoli issued a clear mandate: the dignity and safety of maritime workers are now non-negotiable pillars of Fiji’s sovereign responsibility.
Running from 21–23 April 2026, the workshop brings together government agencies, industry leaders, and international partners, including the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to bridge the gap between maritime policy and human rights.
Fiji’s offshore fishing industry is a massive economic engine, with a domestic fleet of over 60 vessels generating more than FJD$95 million (US$47.5 million) in direct tuna exports. However, Tauvoli emphasised that the sector’s true value lies in the hundreds of Fijian crew members working behind the scenes.
“Ensuring high labour standards is no longer a discretionary ‘best practice’ – it is a mandatory pillar of our sovereign responsibility,” Tauvoli stated.
“The safety of our crew is the insurance policy for our national development.”
The workshop arrives at a transformative moment for regional fisheries management. While Fiji has long adhered to the FFA’s Harmonised Minimum Terms and Conditions, a new era of accountability has begun under the WCPFC’s Conservation and Management Measure 2024-04, which codifies binding obligations for labour standards on the high seas.
Domestically, Fiji is leading the charge with the National Offshore Fishing Crew Policy 2025–2028. To ensure this policy results in real-world change, the government has established the Fisheries Labour Advisory Group (FLAG)—a tripartite mechanism uniting government, industry, and labour unions.
The workshop is tasked with finalising a results-based roadmap focused on three strategic priorities:
*Legislative Alignment: Accelerating the integration of the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (C188) into domestic law to close jurisdictional gaps between fisheries and labour regulations.
*Enforcement and Monitoring: Moving beyond “desk audits” by training inspectors to identify labour violations and linking vessel licenses directly to labour compliance.
*Ethical Branding: Leveraging high labour standards as a competitive advantage. As global markets and certification bodies like the MSC increase scrutiny on social responsibility, Fiji aims to position its “brand” as a leader in ethical seafood.
Tauvoli reminding attendees that improving labour conditions is an investment, not a burden. By prioritizing the workforce, Fiji reinforces its status as a champion of a fair and sustainable Blue Pacific.
As the workshop unfolds over the coming days, the goal remains clear: to ensure that every fish caught in Fijian waters is harvested not only sustainably but ethically, honoring the men and women who serve at the heart of the industry….PACNEWS
VAN – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 22 Apr 2026
FFA Supports Vanuatu Fisheries with Training on Tuna Canning and Squid Export Requirements
PORT VILA, 22 APRIL 2026 (FFA)—The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency continues to support Pacific countries to strengthen fisheries governance and market access.
From 7–14 April 2026, FFA Market Access Specialist Ratu Jope Tamani worked with the Vanuatu Ministry of Fisheries and the National Competent Authority to build technical knowledge on tuna canning processes and squid fisheries export requirements.
During the visit, participants took part in:
▪️Introductory training on tuna canning and thermal processing
▪️Technical discussions on regulatory readiness for potential cannery developments
▪️Capacity building on squid fisheries operations and export requirements, particularly for the Chinese market
▪️Stakeholder consultations with government and industry partners, including SINOVAN
The training and consultations brought together 8 participants (6 men and 2 women) from the Vanuatu Competent Authority, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Finance, and the private sector.
Two technical guidance documents were also developed to support the NCA in strengthening regulatory oversight and providing practical advice to fisheries stakeholders.
FFA remains committed to working with members to build stronger seafood safety systems, improved market access, and sustainable fisheries development across the region….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strait of Hormuz: With hunger looming, life-saving fertiliser shipments cannot wait, head of UN task force says
NEW YORK, 22 APRIL 2206 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —As the Persian Gulf crisis continues, time is ticking for farmers who rely on fertilizer shipped via the Strait of Hormuz – and millions worldwide who depend on their crops, particularly in vulnerable countries such as war-torn Sudan.
In normal times, one third of global fertiliser trade – along with 35 percent of crude oil and a fifth of liquified natural gas – passes through the maritime corridor located south of Iran, but tanker traffic has essentially come to a standstill.
In response, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres established a task force to facilitate the safe passage of fertilisers and related raw materials for humanitarian purposes.
It is headed by Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services across the world.
“We cannot afford to wait,” he said in an exclusive interview with UN News.
“The planting season is upon us, and the risk of a major food crisis is real. We need the support and the cooperation of all stakeholders to make this mechanism a success.”
He told Reem Abaza that the UN task force he is leading will be able to get its “one stop platform” up and running in just seven days, if combatants blocking the strait allow fertilizers and other raw material through, to benefit the world’s most vulnerable.
Jorge Moreira da Silva: The idea of the task force was to develop a mechanism focused on fertilisers and related raw materials such as urea, sulphur, and ammonia, to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis. We have one-third of all fertilisers in the world going through the Strait of Hormuz, so you can see how important the Persian Gulf is for the production of fertilisers and how impacted is the entire supply chain of fertilisers with the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
But we also know that there are some countries that are more dependent on those fertilisers. Unfortunately, some of those countries were already highly vulnerable due to previous shocks, such as Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Kenya, Sri Lanka. These are just a few countries that are high importers of fertilisers coming from the region.
UN News: We’re talking about a time-sensitive period because it is the agricultural season in some parts of the world, and not having fertilisers will have a huge effect on food security. But how fast can you be operational?
Jorge Moreira da Silva: The point of speed, as you mentioned, is a critical one. Diplomacy and nature do not have the same speed. And I know that there are diplomatic efforts towards a political solution for the Middle East, and for this war, to have a lasting peace.
But the point that I’ve been making is we can’t wait until everything is fixed to at least get something fixed in time for the planting season. The planting season has already started, and in most countries in Africa it will end in May. So, if we don’t get some solution immediately, the crisis will be very significant and severe, particularly for the poorest countries and for the poorest citizens.
I want to stress one point. The mechanism is not a way to compromise or challenge the freedom of navigation. Freedom of navigation is an indisputable principle, and the Secretary-General and I have been very clear in stating the need to reinstate the freedom of navigation.
But what we are saying is: while we don’t have that freedom of navigation fully embedded and established because there are these negotiations in the context of the war, at least let’s have a time-bound, exceptional, limited mechanism just for fertilizers and related raw materials because this will still be in time for the planting season.
UN News: Can you explain how this mechanism will work?
Jorge Moreira da Silva: The mechanism is based on one principle, which is confidence building. It draws on previous experience with the Black Sea Grain Initiative, also in the context of the war in Ukraine; the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) where UNOPS monitors, verifies and inspects all vessels going to Yemen via Djibouti; and also the UN 2720 mechanism for Gaza, also managed by UNOPS, where we approve the consignments going to Gaza, the trucks, and also monitor on the ground the supply of those goods.
This mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz will be based on the same principle of building trust through more accountability and transparency. It’s basically a mechanism that would go through a series of steps such as registration, de-confliction, monitoring, verification, and reporting. It’s a system that would facilitate the logistics operation.
It’s about commercial vessels carrying fertilisers and related raw materials, but the purpose is to avoid a humanitarian crisis.
The question is why fertilisers, because there are so many other important items in the Gulf such as oil and gas? The case for fertilisers is because there is a clear nexus between the lack of access to fertilisers and the disruption to food systems, and therefore starvation and hunger looming in many countries.
UN News: This is a very complex operation, as you mentioned. How are you coordinating with the different stakeholders, including shipping and insurance companies?
Jorge Moreira da Silva: We are working very closely with the International Chamber of Commerce and with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). We are also in contact with the shipping companies and with the insurance companies. They are all very supportive of this initiative because they know how important it is to have a stable and predictable environment for their operations.
UN News: You mentioned the Black Sea Grain Initiative as a model. How does the situation in the Strait of Hormuz compare to what we saw in the Black Sea?
Jorge Moreira da Silva: It’s a different context, but the principle is the same. It’s about creating a safe corridor for the transit of essential goods. In the Black Sea, it was about grain; here, it’s about fertilizers. But in both cases, the goal is to prevent a humanitarian crisis and to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to the food and the resources they need.
UN News: Finally, what is your message to the international community regarding the importance of this task force?
Jorge Moreira da Silva: My message is that we cannot afford to wait. The planting season is upon us, and the risk of a major food crisis is real. We need the support and the cooperation of all stakeholders to make this mechanism a success. It’s not just about logistics or economics; it’s about saving lives and ensuring that the most basic human needs are met. …. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Second PNG Media Summit elevated to regional event
PORT MORESBY, 22 APRIL 2026 (MCPNG)— The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) is proud to announce that the 2nd PNG Media Summit 2026 has been elevated to a major Pacific regional event.
Organised by Women in Media PNG (WiMPNG), this milestone summit will convene regional leaders, international keynotes, and industry giants in Port Moresby on Friday, May 1, 2026, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day which falls on Sunday, 03 May.
PNG Media will be leading World Press Freedom Day celebrations across the Pacific region following a request from the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).
PINA President and Veteran Pacific Journalist, Kalafi Moala leads the two major Keynote speeches for the summit, before the second keynote address from American AI and Cybersecurity Expert Michael Hsieh who will speak on ‘How AI is changing the credibility and authenticity in Journalism’.
As PNG takes the leading role in Media Freedom and Development, a strong focus on AI-generative content in the frame of next year’s National General Elections will speak to the PNG Media’s focus in the lead up to and during NGE2027.
PINA – “This important regional gathering comes at a time when media in PNG and across the Pacific continues to navigate rapid change, digital transformation, and evolving public expectations. The Summit theme, ‘’Press Freedom through Human Rights, Security and Innovation’ aligns strongly with PINA’s own strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening professional journalism, supporting media resilience, and promoting press freedom across the region.
PINA also notes that Moala will be one of two international speakers at the Summit, reflecting the growing regional and international importance of Papua New Guinea’s media development discussions.
“PINA recognises and commends the efforts of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea in engaging constructively with the Government to strengthen media standards and foster a more conducive environment for journalists to operate, report freely, and uphold fairness.
“We further acknowledge the Media Council of Papua New Guinea’s leadership in supporting dialogue between media stakeholders and government, which is essential in building trust, professionalism, and a strong democratic information environment.
“PINA looks forward to participating in this important summit and also acknowledges its members who will be joining online to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026 celebrations alongside colleagues in Papua New Guinea. We extend our appreciation to the Media Council of PNG for hosting this significant regional observance.”
A central highlight of the summit will be a dedicated session on the Parliamentary Inquiry Report into Journalism Standards and Integrity, which was tabled in Parliament on 24 March 2026, by the Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Marsh Narewec.
The report includes 40 key recommendations which are expected to transform the PNG media sector.
MCPNG President, Neville Choi, emphasised that the summit is also a vital intervention as the country prepares for the 2027 National General Elections (NGE2027).
“We must equip our practitioners with the tools for innovation and the security to report without fear,” Choi stated, noting that a key focus will be building AI capacity and strengthening fact-checking to combat misinformation.
The summit features a prestigious lineup of speakers and regional organisations, including presentations be delivered by experts from the United States and senior management from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Key local National stakeholders, including DICT Secretary Steven Matainaho and the PNG Business Council, have also confirmed their participation.
New innovative sessions will feature opportunities to hear from each of our mainstream media members across Print, Television, Radio and Online. They will speak about the work they do, and why journalism still matters.
Media and Journalism Training Institutions will provide important updates, before the summit ends with a final plenary to discuss future media and industry forecasts, both domestically, and in region-wide; and an exchange and engagement with a panel of PNG social media content creators.
Registration for the PNG Media Summit is now officially open.
Media professionals (both mainstream and freelancers), academics, and stakeholders are invited to register by scanning the official QR code on summit posters or by visiting MCPNG digital channels…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Santa Marta Conference: Health Must Become Imperative for Governments’ Exit from Fossil Fuel Dependence
SANTA MARTA, 22 APRIL 2026 (GLOBAL HEALTH & CLIMATE ALLIANCE) — Ahead of next week’s Santa Marta Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Colombia, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, a consortium of over 250 health organisations, is calling on the more than 50 participating national governments to push human health to the forefront of national plans to end global fossil fuel dependency.
In its submission to the conference, the health community urges governments to fully account for the often-overlooked health costs of fossil fuels in budgets, energy planning, and investment decisions.
The submission also calls for an urgent phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, removal of the industry’s social license through restrictions on advertising, sponsorship, and partnerships, and the adoption of strong legal accountability frameworks, including operationalising the ICJ Advisory Opinion, to hold governments and corporations accountable for these harms.
“Fossil fuels are health-harming products – governments must act to protect people and the planet from the damage they cause”, said Dr Jeni Miller, Executive Director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
“Governments meeting this week in Santa Marta must put the health of everyone at the centre of discussions, and commit to ending dependence on these dangerous fuels.”
“Transitioning away from fossil fuels isn’t simply a question of energy or economics – regulating their use and phasing them out is crucial for human health and well-being, not just a side benefit,” said Miller. “By focusing solely on carbon, energy, and economics when discussing climate, we risk missing what’s really at stake – people’s health. Fossil fuels are causing immediate harm – phasing them out is not only about protecting the planet but also about saving lives in the near term, reducing strain on health systems, and creating greener, more just, and healthier societies.”
“By integrating health evidence, including health-related costs and savings, into national climate and energy policy, every government represented in Sant Marta can drive the transition from fossil fuels not only as an environmental necessity, but as one of the most powerful public health interventions of our time”, added Miller.
A recent report by the Global Climate and Health Alliance, Cradle to Grave: The Health Toll of Fossil Fuels and the Imperative for a Just Transition shows strong evidence that along with causing climate change, fossil fuels also harm health at every stage of the industrial cycle, from extraction and processing to transport and burning, and every stage of the human lifecycle from fetus to childhood to elderly.
The Health Cost
“Health and health systems remain largely absent from fossil fuel transition plans”, said Dr Courtney Howard, MD Global Climate and Health Board Chair, and Emergency Physician in Yellowknife, Canada. “Producer fossil fuel subsidies put our tax dollars in service of death and health system destabilisation. Policy debates focus on energy security, growth, and emissions, while overlooking the health and economic costs borne by people and public systems, as well as the significant benefits of lower healthcare costs, higher productivity, and more resilient economies.”
“Now is the time to prioritize health in transition planning and include health costs in economic decisions”, Howard added. “These costs are rarely reflected in budgets or energy plans, while fossil fuels continue to receive significant subsidies. This conceals their true price and makes the transition appear costly, when in fact, the burden falls on health systems. Ending fossil fuel use will save lives and reduce expenses”
Air pollution alone costs the global economy approximately US$8.1 trillion each year in healthcare, lost productivity, and premature deaths, out of a total global economy of about US$120 trillion.
“Governments must integrate health into budgets, national accounts, and energy policy”, concluded Howard. “This includes health impact assessments, incorporating health into cost-benefit analyses, and accounting for full lifecycle harms. Making these costs visible demonstrates that phasing out fossil fuels is both environmentally necessary and economically sound, reducing long-term public spending and improving overall health and well-being.”
Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies
“Fossil fuel subsidies channel public money into an industry that drives disease and premature deaths and yet governments continue to fund it,” said Jess Beagley, Policy Lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “This must change.”
“Just and equitable subsidy reform should be recognised as a public health measure”, added Beagley. “Redirecting these funds to clean energy will generate huge savings than in turn allow for greater investment in public goods like healthcare, education and social protection, providing immediate benefits and supporting vulnerable communities.”
“The public should not bear the cost of fossil fuel harms; polluters must pay and be held legally accountable for their impacts on health and lives”, said Beagley.
Challenging the Social License of the Fossil Fuel Industry
“Despite everything we know about the environmental and health harms from fossil fuels, the industry still wields enormous influence over our daily lives through advertising, sponsorships, public relations, and partnerships – even in the health sector”, said Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “The public health community has seen the consequences of such influence before, and the fallout is undeniable.”
“Governments gathering in Santa Marta must resolve to revoke the social licence granted to the fossil fuel industry, as was achieved with tobacco control, by banning ads for dangerous, health-harming fossil fuels, ending sponsorship of organisations and events and establishing clear conflict of interest rules”, added Narayan.
Legal Accountability
The Global Climate and Health Alliance believes Santa Marta Conference also provides a critical opportunity to connect transition discussions with emerging legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms. Recent developments, including advisory opinions from international courts and the growing recognition of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, are opening new pathways to hold both states and corporations accountable for the harms caused by fossil fuels.
“Santa Marta provides a platform to implement the ICJ Advisory Opinion on states’ legal duties related to climate change, promote accountability and justice, and emphasise that moving away from fossil fuels is a legal and moral obligation rooted in health and human rights”, said Narayan.
“Championing a fossil fuel-free world is one of the most important actions that health professionals can take to ensure the health and well-being of everyone alive today”, said Ed Maibach, Global Climate and Health Alliance board member representing the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. “The health benefits of a fossil fuel phase-out are profound, fast-acting, and can last a lifetime—for babies and children.”
Smoke from wildfires exposes 354 million people to increased air pollution, leading to over 82,000 premature deaths globally.
“As an emergency physician in the Canadian subarctic, I serve a majority Indigenous population that extends to the high arctic across an area larger than France and Spain combined”, said Dr Courtney Howard, MD Global Climate and Health Board Chair, and Emergency Physician in Yellowknife, Canada. “In 2023 wildfires forced the evacuation of our hundred-bed hospital, our inpatients were flown down to Vancouver by a military evacuation plane. Emergency evacuation of 70 precent of a territory’s population was traumatizing for both patients and health professionals. The costs were staggering.”
“Workforce-related health system strain is already stretching healthcare around the world”, added Howard. I’m incredibly proud of what we have managed to do in response to the Canadian wildfires, but the reality is that health systems are not ready for a new normal. With the subarctic already warming at triple the global rate, we’re already living with and dealing with a future that the rest of the world has yet to experience.”
‘The World Health Organisation’s Delivering the Belem Health Action Plan provides advice for adapting health systems to climate change”, said Howard. “Yet it also says, “The evidence is clear: urgent and sustained mitigation across all sectors is the single most important health adaptation intervention. There are profound physical, financial, and technological limits to adaptation, and health systems cannot remain resilient in a world of unchecked warming.”
“The evidence is already clear and overwhelming: climate change is harming health in profound ways, today and everywhere,” said Dr Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. “While we see that health impacts are breaking new records, our research also shows that climate action delivers some of the greatest health opportunities of our time – from cleaner air and healthier cities to reduced disease burden and stronger health systems. Phasing out fossil fuels is not only about preventing future harm; it is about protecting lives and improving health now.”
“In my and my colleagues’ research around the globe, we are witnessing the devastating health impact from fossil fuel extraction, refining, combustion, and related petrochemicals. Every health impact of fossil fuel is a violation of the right to a clean environment,” says Ebba Malmqvist, Associate Professor at Lund University and chair of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Policy Committee. “But we can also see the health benefits in communities when, for example, a coal power plant has been shut down or when exhaust emissions from traffic are reduced.”
“After 30 years of paralysis at COPs, Santa Marta offers a historic moment for ambition to flourish without the obstruction of big polluters”, said Dr Leah Temper, Health and Economic Policy Program Director, CAPE.
“The health community learned with the tobacco treaty that to put in place health protective policies we need to stem industry interference. As the world goes through the biggest energy supply shock since the 70s, the health movement’s message is that a post-fossil economy will be more resilient, healthier and can deliver greater justice and well-being. We are calling for a fossil ad ban and limits on lobbying in the roadmap to ensure that fossil fuel interests cannot drown out our calls with their fear-mongering, false solutions and promotion of health-harming products.”
“Evidence of health damage, especially associated with coal-fired power plants in Chile, has shown that they affect respiratory and cardiovascular health and increase cancer rates in communities that have been exposed to these emission sources for a long time”, said Dr Sandra Cortés, Chair of the Scientific Committee on Climate Change – Chile, Professor, Catholic University of Chile. “Reducing exposure through various regulatory mechanisms, including the closure of coal-fired power plants, has clearly resulted in an improvement in the health conditions of these communities. Chile’s example in reducing exposure through various mechanisms has proven to be an effective public policy aimed at protecting people’s health, especially children and women among the most affected.” …. PACNEWS
Contact: Dave Walsh, Communications Advisor, Global Climate and Health Alliance, press@climateandhealthalliance.org, +34 691 826 764 (Available from 0630 CET)
