The Pacific Islands are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

A joint media release from Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum and the University of the South Pacific stated today that the Paris Agreement has far exceeded the historical record for first-day signatures to an international agreement.

Overall there were 175 parties that signed the Paris Agreement, including 12 out of 14 Pacific islands signing the agreement signifying commitment.  

“We congratulate and commend our member countries for their leadership in not only signing but also taking that extra crucial step to ratify the Agreement, helping to ensure it will come into force,” said Kosi Latu, Director-General of SPREP.

Dame Meg Taylor the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat said only by working together could we address the most serious issues brought upon us by the effects of climate change.

"The CROP agencies will continue to work together, the Pacific will continue to work together, and the World must continue to work together, to save our vulnerable brothers and sisters, and future generations."

Pacific islands contribute to less than 0.03 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions but are the most vulnerable to it's effects. The island region is also among the first to feel the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Agreement can enter into force 30 days after 55 Parties accounting for 55 percent of global emissions deposit their instruments of ratification. Countries had agreed to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees c, while pursuing efforts to keep temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

The agreement also mandates regular meetings every five-years, starting in 2018, to review progress and consider whether it is necessary to increase ambition.