Fiji urges 'just' climate transition, financing at pre-COP gathering
NADI: Fiji urged developed nations on Monday to back a just transition to renewable energy and support those most vulnerable to climate change with much-needed financing, as the UN “pre-COP” gathering kicked off in the Fijian city of Nadi.
NADI: Fiji has called on developed countries to support a just transition to renewable energy and provide crucial financing to those most vulnerable to climate change during the pre-COP gathering in the country's capital, Nadi. This week's talks in Fiji and the atoll nation of Tuvalu aim to draw attention to life on the frontline of climate change in the Pacific region.
Fiji's climate minister, Lynda Tabuya, urged developed nations to commit to climate finance and projects to help the Pacific transition away from fossil fuels. A UN report from August found that developing countries need between US$310 billion and US$365 billion for adaptation, but only had US$26 billion in adaptation finance available in 2023.
Tabuya emphasized that despite disagreements, it's important for the Pacific to find common ground at this pre-COP gathering. Australian Prime Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the need for the Pacific to have its voice heard and suggested that fossil fuel exporting nations could contribute to the discussion. Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate, with Pacific island countries experiencing sea level rise at twice the global average, putting up to 1.2 billion people at risk of displacement by 2050.
Pacific leaders hope the pre-COP gathering will bring the world's attention to the region, despite a smaller-than-expected guest list.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
