UN backs landmark Pacific-led climate resolution
The United Nations has adopted a landmark resolution asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to deliver an opinion on climate change and the legal consequences countries face for harming the environment. It is
Albanese government faces decisions on coalmines
The Albanese government could have to make decisions on whether to approve up to 28 coalmine developments that would make it harder to meet targets set under its newly approved climate policy, according to a new
Vanuatu calls on major polluters to back UN resolution
Vanuatu’s Foreign Minister says it would be “embarrassing” for both China and the United States if they fail to back the Pacific Island nation’s push to get the International Court of Justice to issue a ruling
Threats of sea-level rise very real: Tuvalu Foreign Minister
Legal experts from around the region are gathered in Fiji for the regional conference on Statehood, Protection of Persons affected by sea level rise. The conference was mandated by Forum Leaders recognising the many
If we value human rights and the rule of law, then we must fight for climate justice
Human life is sacred and every individual deserves an equal chance in life. We have a common desire, we all want to lead a free, fulfilling existence, with dignity, where our basic needs are met, with opportunities to
Nations fight to be called climate vulnerable in IPCC report
Government negotiators fought bitterly last week over which groups and regions are defined as particularly vulnerable to climate change in the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
UN climate report an emergency siren: Greenpeace Pacific
The final report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Sixth Assessment Cycle is the final-hour warning before the clock runs out on 1.5°C, and we must pull every lever to achieve
Power up renewables, power down fossil fuels: Boeve
May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org, says the latest IPCC report, released Monday, urgently demands a phase out of fossil fuels and a just transition to publicly and community-centered renewable energy and it
Nations approve key UN science report on climate change
Governments gave their blessing on Sunday to a major new UN report on climate change, after approval was held up by a battle between rich and developing countries over emissions targets and financial aid to vulnerable
Pacific ministers call for fossil fuel free Pacific
An ambitious and historical call to action for a fossil fuel free Pacific was endorsed Friday in Port Vila – demanding a phase out of fossil fuel production from major economies that continue to produce coal, oil and
CSOs urge governments to set global example on fossil fuel free Pacific
Civil society organisations in Vanuatu and the Pacific are calling on governments to set global example and declare the Pacific region free of fossil fuel exploration and extraction. The intervention from civil society
Is 1.5C still realistic? The crumbling consensus over key climate target
Sultan al-Jaber, chief executive of Abu Dhabi’s state oil company, has put one message front and centre since being named president of the UN COP28 climate summit: the world must not give up on the 1.5C target for
Emerging collective call for fossil fuel free Pacific
As Pacific Ministers wrap up their three-day dialogue in Port Vila today, there’s strong calls for a fossil fuel free Pacific – and a push to transition away from oil and gas and explore safe and sustainable
Pacific nations explore opportunities to push for fossil fuel phase out
A yes vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month to Vanuatu’s request for Advisory Opinion (AO) from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate
More Pacific countries likely to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
More Pacific countries are expected to join the global campaign to phase out the production and stockpiling of fossil fuels – after this week’s dialogue to build regional support and solidarity towards just
Pacific leaders to discuss global transition away from fossil fuels
The Governments of Vanuatu and Tuvalu will host the ‘2nd Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels’ in Port Vila this week, from 15-17 March 2023. It will be
Can Washington fund its Pacific pledges?
“We have not been sufficiently engaged at a critical time in the Pacific islands. Not only do the Pacific islands face existential threats like climate change and economic dislocation, but clearly they’re being
Palau organisation makes support go a long way
The people of Palau are still picking up the pieces that Super Typhoon Surigae left behind in 2021. Coupled with the impacts of climate change, including ocean acidification, flooding, and coastal erosion, the longer
UN sets date for loss and damage talks
The United Nations has set a date for crunch talks over funding for climate victims despite Asia-Pacific developing countries’ failure to nominate their two representatives. The move piles pressure on the block to
Oceania bishops’ assembly spotlights climate crisis
When dozens of Catholic bishops from Oceania gathered in Suva, Fiji, earlier this month, plans to hold a prayer service next to the ocean were derailed by stormy weather, offering a natural illustration of how the very
‘We must act now’: NZ Minister of Climate Change
New Zealand’s climate change minister has made a furious speech excoriating parliament for lost decades of “bickering” over the climate crisis, as Cyclone Gabrielle devastates the country. “As I stand here
Pacific PhD candidates receive Norway scholarships
Ten PhD candidates from the Pacific have been named as recipients of the Norway Pacific Ocean Scholarship Programme (N-POC). This first cohort of the N-POC scholarship includes Peter Emberson (Fiji), Laura Williams
Pacific proposal calls for high price on shipping emissions
Pacific nations this week have lodged new submissions at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), calling for a high price on GHG emissions. According to the Micronesian Centre for Sustainable Transport (MCST),
