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COP29 COP29

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine at COP29
Ian Fry represents Tuvalu at COP29

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

PACIFIC REALITIES AT COP29

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti lists Australia as a ‘climate hypocrite’ alongside the United
States, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Country negotiators at COP29 are all struggling to push for The organisation’s report states that “despite having the
their agenda items in negotiation rooms, but it is a special greatest economic means to rapidly phase out production
kind of challenge for the Pacific when you are up against and immense responsibility for causing the climate crisis,
those who claim to be friends of the Pacific. these five countries account for the majority (51%) of planned
Fiji's Environment and Climate Change Permanent Secretary expansion from new oil and gas fields through 2050.
(PS), Dr Sivendra Michael, gave an insight into what it is like John Taukeve, who has a background in climate science
in the negotiation room for Pacific delegates. and diplomacy, is on the ground with the Marshall Islands
“For four consecutive years, two-thirds of the parties to the delegation in Baku. He says COP host countries need to
convention have expressed their disappointment, but because recognise the impacts that climate has on small island
there was no consensus among the like-minded developing developing states.
countries, which includes China, as well as the African group, “I feel that Australia needs to recognise its position; if it
these large polluting countries block the process, and due to wants to be elder brother or sister to the Pacific, it needs to
that, we are not able to reach a consensus,” Michael said. start curbing its emissions or curbing its fossil fuel and serve
He said without consensus, Rule 16 takes effect, as an example to the rest of the world.’’
necessitating a fresh start for negotiators next year. The first Pacific Islander to sit on the scientific council
As the second week of COP29 unfolds, attention is turning actively participating within the COP29 negotiation room,
to COP31 and the potential for Australia and the Pacific to co- Salā Dr George Carter, emphasises the importance of Australia
host in 2026. While the bid has gained momentum, it has also moving beyond words.
exposed contradictions between Australia’s climate policies “There is no denying the symbolism of hosting COP31 in the
and its fossil fuel exports. Pacific, but symbolism is not enough. Australia must bridge
the gap between its rhetoric and action; otherwise, it risks
‘Symbolism is not enough’ undermining the very partnership it is trying to build,’’ Carter
The slow progress on phasing out of fossil fuel in Australia said.
is the root of many CSOs frustration. Oil Change International Many Pacific civil society organisations are sceptical about

18 Islands Business, November 2024