Climate change is the single greatest threat to the peace and security of Pacific islands peoples, says Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) secretary general Baron Waqa.
Speaking at the inaugural Pacific Regional and National Security Conference for PIFS members in Suva yesterday, Mr Waqa said climate change would continue to be the region’s biggest threat despite geopolitical competition and wars.
“The impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza and tensions in the South China Sea continue to reverberate across the globe, and the Pacific is not immune,” said Mr Waqa.
“On account of these developments Pacific peoples have been affected by supply chain disruptions which have added to inflationary pressures and made the cost of basic goods – food, medicine, fuel and so on- very difficult for many of our people.
“In short, war, instability and a breakdown of peace anywhere in the world makes life more difficult for everyday citizens of the Blue Pacific Continent.”
He said the region placed great importance on the rules based international order founded on the UN Charter, adherence to relevant international law and the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means.
“In terms of geopolitical competition my message is very simple and very clear.
“Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who have cyclones coming over the horizon.
“Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who have water lapping at their doorsteps due to sea level rise.
“Geopolitical manoeuvring means nothing to Pacific peoples who are focused on building resilience, peace and prosperity for our families, communities, nations and our region.”
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka echoed Mr Waqa’s sentiments adding that seasonal patterns our ancestors lived by were shifting rapidly with more change ahead.
“Here in the Pacific, the difference between 1.5 degrees and 2 or 3 degrees is not subtle,” he said.
“It is a knife’s edge.
“It is the difference between the habitability of our island homes and forced migration.
“It is the difference between catching your own fish, and growing your family’s food, or being wholly dependent on imported protein.”
