NZ questions whether Paris climate deal can deliver for the Pacific

New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has questioned whether the Paris Agreement can deliver for the Pacific when some of the world’s biggest emitters are not fully on board.

Speaking in Palau after the Polynesian Leaders Bilateral, Peters said Pacific countries had been deeply involved in pushing for the 1.5°C temperature goal.

But he said they faced a much bigger problem when major emitters account for such a large share of global emissions.

"Again, they were relatively heavily involved in setting the 1.5 or encouraging the 1.5 degree target.

"The problem is that whilst they've got that and that's a serious focus for them, the other problem is that four countries, China, Russia, United States and India, are responsible for 60 per cent plus."

The comments come as Pacific leaders continue to push for stronger climate action and greater access to finance to help communities deal with the effects of a warming climate.

Pacific leaders gather in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with climate change and regional security high on the agenda.

The Pacific Resilience Facility is one of the region’s main efforts to build a Pacific-owned source of climate and disaster funding, with leaders looking to turn commitments into practical support for communities.

Peters' comments also reflect a wider debate over how the Pacific can protect its interests as climate change and geopolitical tensions increasingly overlap.

Asked about the region’s security environment, Peters said the Pacific could no longer be treated as a quiet or low-risk region.

Listen to Winston Peters speak with journalists in Palau below.

"The Pacific is no longer a "benign" environment. Covering 31 per cent of the world's surface, the region is now grappling with hyper-tensions and historical complexities re-emerging after 80 years.

"We must face the facts: the era of viewing this region solely through the lens of free trade has passed."

The security concerns are already being felt at the Forum where Pacific foreign ministers were unable to agree on a joint response to China's missile test in July.

Peters also commented on Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s early departure from the Forum after a leadership challenge was launched against him in Honiara.

He described Wale’s departure as a setback for regional security discussions and said New Zealand was watching developments in Solomon Islands closely.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale during Wale’s visit to Auckland earlier this year. Photo/Facebook/New Zealand High Commission - Honiara, Solomon Islands

"It is a blunt setback for regional security discussions. Questioning the timing of domestic manoeuvres during a critical Pacific event is only natural.

"We are closely monitoring developments in Honiara, including the potential for foreign influence in these political shifts," Peters said.

Wale returned home after East Malaita MP and then Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga filed a motion of no confidence against him.

Three senior ministers Maelanga, Justice Minister Clezy Rore and Commerce Minister Harry Kuma have since resigned from the government. Solomon Islands Government House has confirmed the resignations.

For Pacific countries, however, Peters says the climate question remains immediate: how to turn global commitments into funding and action that protects communities already facing rising climate risks.

Watch PMN News Political Reporter Thomas Tarurongo Wynne's update from Palau below.

That challenge is now sitting alongside the region’s growing security and geopolitical pressures as leaders meet in Palau.

The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting ends on 4 September.