Pacific nations have called for deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions as governments prepare for the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye in November.
Delegates from more than 50 countries met in Fiji on October 7 to discuss priorities for the summit. Representatives from 30 countries also adopted a declaration during a preliminary visit to Tuvalu, calling for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in emissions.
United Nations projections indicate that global temperatures are likely to exceed the 1.5°C limit above pre-industrial levels in the near term. Climate officials have warned that prolonged warming beyond the threshold could increase the risk of irreversible impacts.
Pacific island states are among the countries most exposed to rising sea levels. Fijian Climate Minister Lynda Tabuya said communities across the region were already experiencing rising tides and displacement.
The Pacific countries are also seeking greater access to climate finance to help them respond to climate-related damage. Ocean protection is another priority for the island states, whose economies and communities are closely linked to marine ecosystems.
Australia is leading negotiations for COP31, which Türkiye will host in Antalya. Australia and Türkiye have backed efforts to keep any period above the 1.5°C threshold as short as possible.
The Pacific declaration adds to calls for countries to strengthen their emissions commitments ahead of the summit, where governments will discuss implementation of the Paris Agreement and further climate action.
