CHOGM Urges Pacific Nations to Unite in Demanding Climate Change Action

During the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Apia, Samoa, Tuvalu’s prime minister expressed concerns about the expansion of fossil fuel projects, particularly in Australia, likening it to a “death sentence” for his country due to the impacts of climate change.

Prime Minister Feleti Teo emphasized that Pacific Islands countries are not willing to let others dictate their future and that action must be taken to combat climate change.

A report from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative highlighted that Australia, Canada, and the UK, despite comprising only 6 percent of the Commonwealth population, have been responsible for 60 percent of extraction emissions across Commonwealth countries since 1990.

Tuvalu stressed that Australia has a significant moral obligation to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels.

Vanuatu’s climate envoy, Ralph Regenvanu, called on developed nations to cease expanding fossil fuel projects to protect vulnerable nations such as those in the Pacific.

Both Tuvalu and Vanuatu have been advocating for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty to halt the expansion of oil, gas, and coal exploration. Several Pacific nations have already joined this initiative.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia mentioned that the country is working on transitioning its economy to achieve net-zero emissions. She also highlighted the need for global cooperation in reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the seriousness of climate change and the importance of countries like Australia taking on leadership roles in addressing the issue.

The leaders at CHOGM are expected to have discussions on climate change impacts and the sovereignty of Pacific Islands nations over their exclusive economic zones, crucial for their survival.