BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (ICJ-AO) clearly establishes that 1.5 degrees is a legally binding global threshold.
Tina Stege, the climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, emphasised this saying nations are required to adhere to this threshold and that every country must strive to present their most ambitious targets.
“Those who have profited from fossil fuels bear a responsibility to those of us who are currently enduring the consequences,” Stege said.
She said that the Marshall Islands will collaborate closely with Vanuatu, as well as with Pacific colleagues and others at the United Nations (UN) as the resolution progresses.
“However, I believe we must also focus on the forthcoming COP in Brazil. It presents an opportunity. We will observe how this unfolds. It is a moment for the global community to prove their commitment to the decision, which entails delivering ambitious NDCs aligned with the 1.5-degree target this month. Furthermore, we must agree to discuss what actions to take when it becomes evident, which it unfortunately will, that these do not meet the 1.5-degree threshold,” she remarked.
“As someone who dedicates a significant amount of time to negotiations and various forums, including the UNFCCC, many of you are aware of the frustrations inherent in these environments. It is disheartening to continually present arguments backed by facts, only to be told repeatedly that you lack sufficient evidence, and that the interpretation remains open to debate,” she added.
She said that the ICJ-AO indeed establishes a framework for what the region desires regarding climate action for all Pacific Island nations.
“And regardless of what occurs with our territories as sea levels rise, our maritime boundaries will remain intact, and our sovereignty will not be questioned. This is the conversation we need to engage in. With this decision, we now possess another instrument to assert that this is the dialogue that must take place and cannot be disregarded. Naturally, we hope that those responsible for pollution will recognize that they stand to benefit more from engaging in these discussions and implementing these changes.
“And especially now that there is potential litigation arising from this decision, perhaps this will facilitate progress in a manner that has not been achievable in recent years,” she remarked.
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