Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku made an urgent appeal for global cooperation and immediate action to address the escalating climate crisis yesterday, at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan.
PM Hon. Hu’akavameiliku spoke of the pressing threats to Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, due to climate change.
“Climate change has been, is, and will continue to be the most existential threat to Pacific Island nations," he said.
The PM emphasized the rapid rise in sea levels at an alarming rate of 7.3mm per year in Tonga, was significantly above the global average. This sea-level rise has led to severe coastal erosion, frequent flooding, and extensive infrastructure damage.
Additionally, the incursion of saltwater has compromised groundwater quality, and rising ocean temperatures have caused widespread coral bleaching, further impacting Tonga's marine biodiversity.
Tonga reiterated its support for accelerated climate action, including a reduction in global coal use and the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
The Prime Minister also spoke of Tonga's “unwavering commitment to climate action”, despite the country's negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, he reiterated its call for timely and adequate access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
This includes the longstanding commitment from developed countries to mobilize $100 billion annually.
Tonga also applauded the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27, stressing the need for swift operationalization.
The Prime Minister called for innovative partnerships, citing Tonga’s involvement as a pilot country in the ‘Save the Children’ initiative.
Tonga has endorsed the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and the Tonga Climate Fund, designed to expedite Tonga's climate resilience goals under its "Resilient Tonga by 2035" vision.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku expressed Tonga’s full support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 as the "Pacific COP," representing the voice and interests of Pacific Island nations. He urged all nations to commit to their responsibilities, voicing a shared hope for collaborative efforts and actionable outcomes from COP29.
