Australian Opposition refuse to back Australia-Pacific climate forum bid
A major climate summit Australia hopes to host with Pacific island nations could be in jeopardy under a coalition government. It has reignited the debate between Labor and the Liberals over environmental commitments and
Pacific Resilience Facility receives first US$3 million capitalisation contribution from Japan
The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Monday received a significant boost with the announcement of an initial contribution of 417,000,000 Japanese Yen (US$3 million), from the Government of Japan. The Secretary General
Climate change is robbing Pacific islands of another resource: Tuna
Fourteen Pacific Island nations will receive US$107 million to adapt their tuna-dependent economies as climate change pushes the fish farther from their shores, the Green Climate Fund announced Tuesday. The fund’s
Brazil asks UN to ditch proposed levy on global shipping
Brazil has asked the UN to throw out plans for a new levy on global shipping that would raise funds to fight the climate crisis, despite playing host to the next UN climate summit. The proposed levy on carbon dioxide
USP to pilot seawater air conditioning
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is embarking on the establishment of a pilot green campus in Fiji by utilising ocean thermal energy and renewable energy. The multi-phase project is funded by the Korea Research
New Zealand rethinks opposition to deep-sea mining
New Zealand is considering withdrawing its support for an international ban on deep-sea mining, the country’s resources minister told AFP on Tuesday. Resources Minister Shane Jones said opposition to the fledgling
It’s official: January was the warmest on record
The world has just experienced the hottest January ever recorded, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Thursday, citing data crunched by UN partner the Copernicus Climate Service. Last month was 1.75
Trump withdraws from Paris Agreement on day one
US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on his first day in office on 20 January that will impact Pacific Island nations – including the planned deportation of irregular migrants from the United
Maria Linibi is Recipient of the 2024 WIN DRR Excellence Award
Maria Linibi’s work supporting more than 20,000 women farmers across Papua New Guinea has been recognised through a significant global award in 2024. Linibi is the recipient of the 2024 Women’s International Network
Time to decolonise international development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is being held at one of the most difficult moments in recent history. At no time in post-Second World War history has the international environment been
Taking climate activism to the ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard the largest case in its history: to clarify what countries are legally required to do to combat climate change. The case saw 96 countries and 11 international
Indo-Pacific Trumps Blue Pacific
On 20 January, US President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office. The US Republican leader has pledged engagement with island states, particularly in the northern Pacific. But at a time of heightened US-China
Saving the village one root at a time
Deep in the Rewa Delta on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, the river gradually clawed away at the banks, finding its way into the villages, destroying food gardens and threatening local homes. For the villagers of
What’s in store for Pacific Island nations under Trump 2
Depending on who you ask, Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House holds a promise or poses a threat. Trump is one of the world’s most polarizing figures. He can bring excitement; he can trigger anxiety.
Opinion: Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia chose the latter
Australia has long tried to be two things at once – a trusted friend to Pacific nations in a bid to reduce China’s influence, and a giant exporter of fossil fuels. This diplomatic tightrope has become increasingly
Vanuatu’s Climate Change envoy blasts major emitters Australia, US at ICJ Climate case
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, has slammed Australia, the United States, and other major polluters for their stance during the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate hearings in The
Top UN court hears landmark Vanuatu-led climate case
Vanuatu has opened proceedings in a landmark climate case brought before the UN’s top court, arguing international law and the warming of the atmosphere demands broader action. The Pacific state is leading two
Big polluters’ legal obligations are in treaty: Australia
Australia has reiterated its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate action but does not think high-emitting countries have further legal responsibilities to stave off climate catastrophe. In a landmark case
The struggle is real: Pacific realities at COP29
Country negotiators at COP29 are all struggling to push for their agenda items in negotiation rooms, but it is a special kind of challenge for the Pacific when you are up against those who claim to be friends of the
“A death sentence”: Pacific responses to COP29
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Environment has a scathing assessment of COP29’s outcomes. “The commitments made in Baku—the dollar amounts pledged and the emissions reductions promised—are
Reef rehabilitation: Bold initiatives make a difference
It is the oceans challenge of our time: to protect and sustainably manage unique coral ecosystems. Several innovative strategies are being used in Indonesia to help coral reefs recover and repair, which could
