THE Pacific is in no position to settle for inaction and it will not backtrack on decisions that have been made in unity, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Speaking at the signing of the Taku Pakasoa Declaration in Tuvalu yesterday, Mr Rabuka said the region was no longer in a position to settle for inaction.
The declaration serves as a call for action on climate change and sea level rise urging the global community to move beyond political talk and commit to binding enforceable climate framework goals.
“We must bring forward ambitious decarbonisation commitments and implement the transition away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly manner. What is not radical, that is not radical,” he said.
“It is in line with our agreements, our obligations, and the scientific realities from which no one is exempt.”
Mr Rabuka said past agreements have to be realised now and was not up for renegotiation.
“The transition away from fossil fuels was agreed to by all of us in Dubai.
“It is not a new ask, and it is not open for renegotiation.
“Second, the declaration must be clear on the priority of ensuring climate finance reaches the people who need it at the mega to ensure their safety and protect their future.”
He said Pacific communities were not asking for charity.
“They are asking for a system that works at the speed required to deliver protection in the midst of an escalating crisis.
“This is a global challenge that we must address.
“In Baku, we agreed a new collective goal on climate finance. The task in Antalya (COP31) is to deliver it, not to reopen it.”
The Prime Minister also called for more focus on the ocean climate action.
“This declaration seeks to strengthen our ability to make meaningful progress on ocean protection through the UNFCCC.
“We have already recognised the ocean’s place in our UNFCCC decisions. We must build on that, not let it slip back to the margins.”
