German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has addressed USP students, underlining Germany’s recognition of the urgent need to address the existential threat of the climate crisis and its pledge to stand in solidarity with vulnerable nations.
“For us it is really important that we make it clear that this is not just a trip, but a new chapter of our relations between Germany, the EU and the Pacific Island states,” Ms Baerbock said.
“The Pacific governments have been telling us that the most dangerous security threat of the Pacific is this climate crisis.”
Ms Baerbock said the opening of a new embassy in Fiji nearly a year ago symbolised Germany’s expanded engagement with the entire Pacific region, reflecting a strategic shift towards closer cooperation and mutual support.
Acknowledging the grave warnings from Pacific governments regarding the imminent dangers posed by climate change, Ms Baerbock lamented the lack of sufficient action from industrialised nations, including some in Europe.
“Yet, we have understood ourselves, that we really need to change course, and that we really have to fight this biggest crisis.
“I would totally support that view where the biggest threat to humanity is the climate crisis all together.”
During her visit to Vuninidrovu Village, Ms Baerbock and her delegation witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change, including flooding that threatened livelihoods.
“So, we came here to show, via our media, so that the people of Germany know that the climate crisis is happening right now,” she said.
Ms Baerbock highlighted the importance of learning from each other and sharing expertise to detect and mitigate climate-related challenges.
She emphasised Germany’s willingness to collaborate with Pacific Island states on renewable energy, technology transfer and achieving climate goals, such as the 1.5-degree pathway outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“We also opened an embassy to help with other security issues like environmental or the protection of the ocean or the fight against plastic,” she said.
In addition to climate action, Ms Baerbock underscored Germany’s commitment to addressing other security issues, including environmental protection, ocean conservation and the fight against plastic pollution.
