FOLLOW the science and keep the 1.5 alive to ensure that the world will thrive.
This was the key message by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) director general Sefanaia Nawadra during the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) meeting in Nadi this week.
The meeting, held a few days before the pre-COP Summit at the Sheraton Resort and Spa and Crown Plaza Resort, gathered regional delegates for a series of discussions designed to ensure the survival of Pacific communities, against the harmful impacts of climate change.
“The Pacific enters COP31 from the frontline of the climate crisis, where climate change is not a future risk but a present reality affecting communities, economies, ecosystems and cultures,” said Mr Nawadra.
“SIDS overall must remain united in defending the integrity of the science under the IPCC and maintain the 1.5⁰C temperature goal, it is the global temperature goal that speaks to our survival.”
Acknowledging the mammoth task that lie ahead for negotiators, and regional officials would not be easy, Mr Nawadra reminded the delegrates of the vulnerable communities that depended on them.
“Remember your why, remember you are there to represent our elders, our children, our villages and communities.
“You are carrying the hopes of our people with you.”
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change director of Climate Change Senivasa Waqairamasi highlighted the opportunities the next two weeks presented for the region.
“By no means will this be an easy task, as we will continue to encounter the same challenges we faced in the lead up to and during COP30 and will likely have to navigate our way through a whole new host of challenges,” she said.
“This meeting is a chance for us to make certain our needs and views are incorporated into the relevant COP31 decisions.”
The pre-COP Summit will begin from Monday, October 5.
