Pacific calls for action as Pre-COP31 meetings begin in Fiji and Tuvalu

The Pacific’s message to the world is clear as climate leaders gather in Fiji and Tuvalu for Pre-Conference of the Parties (COP31): the region wants action, not more promises.

The Pacific-led meetings begin today with leaders and senior representatives visiting Tuvalu before the main leaders’ plenary in Fiji on Tuesday.

The gathering comes as concern grows over the limited number of major world leaders expected to attend. Pacific officials have warned that the region’s climate crisis cannot be pushed to the side.

Fiji’s Minister for Information, Climate Change and Environment, Lynda Tabuya, says the Pacific must have a central role in decisions that affect its future.

“The Pacific must be at the centre and not at the margins of global climate decision-making,” she said.

Tabuya says Fiji will push for the connection between oceans and climate change to be recognised in the negotiations ahead of COP31.

Pacific leaders and representatives arrive in Fiji for the Pacific Pre-COP31 summit, held in Nadi from 5 to 8 October. Photo/Facebook/FijiOneNews

“We have an opportunity here in pre-COP to anchor global climate diplomacy in our Pacific reality,” she said.

She says the region’s experience, science and Indigenous knowledge should help shape global climate solutions.

“By hosting these negotiations, we ensure that COP31 is defined by the Pacific lived experiences and local expertise," Tabuya said.

Fiji’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya is leading the host country’s preparations for the Pacific Pre-COP31 summit in Nadi. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government/file

Amnesty International says governments must now back their climate commitments with action.

Secretary-General Agnès Callamard says the absence of some world leaders should not become an excuse for inaction.

“World leaders have spent years talking about the climate threats facing the Pacific. Now they must come to Fiji and Tuvalu, listen to Pacific communities and act.”

Amnesty is calling for governments to move away from fossil fuels, increase grants-based climate finance and ensure communities most affected by climate change have more say over decisions that affect them.

Callamard says the Pacific is already living with the consequences of a crisis it did little to cause.

“Rising seas are already eating away at people’s lands, livelihoods and cultures. Concern without action will not hold back the tide.”

Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi arrives in Nadi for Pre-COP31 with the region pushing for stronger climate action, finance and protection of the 1.5°C target. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government

Tuvalu contributes less than 0.003 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet rising seas, extreme heat, drought and saltwater intrusion are threatening access to water, food, housing and other basic rights, according to Amnesty.

The organisation is also calling on Australia, which is presiding over the COP31 process, to turn its partnership with Pacific countries into stronger climate action.

Amnesty wants Australia and other high-emitting countries to increase public, grants-based funding for climate adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage, without pushing lower-income countries further into debt.

Pacific communities and environmental defenders are also being placed in the spotlight, with Amnesty warning that people challenging damaging projects can face intimidation, violence and restrictions on peaceful protest.

For Fiji, however, Pre-COP31 is also a chance to show what Pacific leadership can look like.

“This is our moment, this a moment for the Pacific to shine, raise our voice and give a powerful message to the world,” Tabuya said.

“The Pacific must be at the centre not just at the margins of global decision making.”

The Pre-COP31 meetings run from 5 to 8 October ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November.