Pacific ⁢Leaders Urge Bold Climate ⁤Action at Ocean Conference

⁤ ‍ Updated June 11, 2025
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NICE,⁣ France—Pacific island leaders attending the ‍UN Ocean Conference are calling for immediate and substantial⁤ climate ⁢action, emphasizing ‍the vulnerability of their nations to rising sea levels and extreme weather. President Hilda Heine⁤ of the Marshall Islands declared, “There is no climate action without ocean action,” highlighting the urgent need for countries to ⁤meet their climate agreements.

Heine stressed that Nationally Persistent Contributions (NDCs)‍ must detail the transition to renewable energy sources, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius target. the ocean action is critical for the survival ⁢of⁤ these island nations.

Palau’s President Surangel whipps Jr.echoed‍ this sentiment, urging⁢ G20 nations to deliver on their 1.5-aligned NDCs by September. He emphasized the need for financial resources to protect oceans,⁢ stating, “We need to adapt to shield our oceans from further harm. And that means, plain and simple, money—and ‍money that we can use.”

Following a summit with⁣ French President Emmanuel Macron, the ‍leaders expressed hope that France would advocate for Pacific island states and climate action within the EU, G20, and G7. The meeting served as a platform to voice concerns and seek support for climate resilience initiatives.

Whipps Jr. invited ‍Macron to invest in the Blue Pacific Prosperity Initiative and⁤ Pacific Resilience fund, noting the widening gap between needs and available resources. Macron reportedly pledged to invest in climate financing, with Whipps‍ emphasizing the importance of timely delivery to local communities.

Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, stated, “In the Pacific, our ⁢security depends on climate ‍action. Without climate action, we face a very perilous future.”

Regenvanu noted the power of international cooperation, citing the ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) by nearly 50 countries and the moratorium on seabed mining issued by 37 countries.

“The ocean is bearing the brunt of our failure to address ⁣climate change and transition away⁣ from fossil fuels.”

What’s next

Pacific island leaders will continue to advocate for stronger climate commitments and financial support at international forums, pushing for the implementation of sustainable practices to protect their vulnerable ecosystems.