COP28: Celebrating the Crumbs
After 28 years of international climate negotiations, the COP summit finally reached an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. The mention of fossil fuels is in itself a breakthrough. But it is low-hanging
COP28
Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege stands firm against weakening of SIDS’s voice at COP28
The climate envoy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Tina Stege, Saturday expressed grave concerns about attempts by certain countries to weaken the emphasis on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the
Pacific firm on 1.5-degree goal at COP28, calls for Just Transition and Youth inclusivity
As COP28 approaches its closing plenary next week, key stakeholders from the Pacific region weigh in on their priorities and expectations for the rest of the conference. Director General of SPREP, Sefanaia Nawadra said
Forum SG Puna support change of COP format for amplified youth voices
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna has called for a full revamp of the format and structure of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP). Puna emphasised the urgent need to bring
Opinion: Tuvalu’s parliament debates the Falepili Union
Over the week of 20 November 2023, Tuvalu held its last parliamentary session under the Natano government, which was elected in 2019 and officially dissolved on 27 November. Elections for the new parliament will be held
The climate crisis is a health crisis
COP28 will include the first dedicated ‘Health Day’. It’s due recognition that a health crisis is inextricably linked to the climate crisis. In 2023, Canada endured its “worst wildfire season in
Heat is on UAE to deliver at COP28
To meet climate goals, countries will have to get far more ambitious and quickly. Here’s what to look for at COP28. The world’s premier climate change conference this month will be hosted by a country among
Opinion: Australia-Tuvalu ‘Falepili’
The Australia-Tuvalu ‘Falepili’ strategy is bullish and most alarming. The initiative was never consulted with the people of Tuvalu, nor was it ever raised in Parliament. It is not a climate change response. It is
Keep 1.5 alive, it’s our red line, Samoa as AOSIS Chair at COP28 preparatory meeting
As thousands of delegates descend upon Dubai, UAE, for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28), Samoa as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
Dr Sivendra Michael is Fiji’s new PS for Environment and Climate Change
Fiji’s Dr Sivendra Michael has become the country’s newly-appointed Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change. Dr Michael has spent the last 10 years working in the climate change adaptation (CCA) and
Australia’s deal with Tuvalu is not about climate justice, say experts
Australia’s offer to Tuvalu of 280 permanent residency visas every year as part of a new treaty between the two countries, is being criticised as an Australian strategic security initiative in the guise of climate
A significant contribution to international law on statehood: Former Tuvalu Foreign Minister
In a world grappling with the complex challenges of climate change, Tuvalu’s recent adoption of a new Constitution and the unanimous endorsement of a declaration by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders stand out as a
What the Boy Child Brings Us – El Niño and Implications for the Pacific this Season
Pacific Island Countries are known to host some of the most memorable soirees during the festive season, but are also the most vulnerable to extreme climatic events during the same. El Niño (pronounced ‘el
Forum outcomes cover environment, security and gender
Meeting in Cook Islands, Pacific Islands Forum leaders confirmed former President of Nauru Baron Waqa as the next Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat, taking over from Henry Puna in 2024. A major focus of the
PM Albanese says Pacific backs Australian climate policy with ‘very positive’ feedback
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he’s had “nothing but positive feedback” about his country’s climate change policies as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is expected to test his
The long, hard road to climate finance
It’s the classic Catch-22. Pacific and other small island developing states desperately need to access climate finance to survive the growing impacts of climate change. That much is well known. And the
Two-headed Monster, or Myth?
As the United States of America’s westernmost territory, Guam employs the unofficial but frequently used motto, "Where America's Day Begins", referring to the island's proximity to the International Date Line. A
COP28: German envoy has urged Australia to support an EU push to phase out fossil fuels
Germany’s international envoy on climate has called on Australia to support a push by Germany and the European Union for a phase-out of fossil fuels at the next UN climate summit, saying the world does not “have the
UN climate fund battle looms over U.S. stance on financing
A fight over a global fund to help countries deal with climate change is set to play out at a UN climate summit this month, after the U.S. objected to taking a greater role in the financing of it in a tentative
PNG Climate Change General Manager Alfred Rungol reinstated
The Papua New Guinea Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) general manager for Measuring, Reporting, Verification and National Communication Alfred Rungol has been reinstated to his substantive position. After a
Forum wants action on climate finance and Loss and Damage
RAROTONGA/PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM 2023: As the region faces an El Nino summer and Vanuatu reels from the devastation of Cyclone Lola – the third Category 5 cyclone to hit the nation in seven months – it’s no
Challenging times for regionalism in Rarotonga
Pacific Islands Forum 2023: Every September, the opening of the United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity for presidents, prime ministers and heads of states to highlight their views on global challenges.
Drought declared for Tonga’s main island
A drought has been declared for Tonga’s main island Tongatapu as well as the nearby island of ‘Eua, and put out warnings and alerts for other islands. The climate pattern El Niño was officially declared in