BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Climate change is a pressing issue, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ push to address its impacts requires stakeholders’ engagement and involvement.

Speaking at the Troika conference during this year’s 54th PIF Leaders Meeting, Forum Chair Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said climate change remains the single greatest threat facing Pacific Island countries.

“People are talking about not only taking additional measures, but also mitigation. It is a matter that will continue to require the engagement and involvement of every stakeholder,” PM assured the local and regional journalists.

He also congratulated Pacific Islands Youth Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) on seeking the highest degree of advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ-AO).

“That shows that when you work together, as a region, including our youth, our civil society and governments, you will be much more effective, not only in terms of advocacy,” he said.

PM Manele said that he understands there is also ongoing work in terms of programs undertaken by agencies, partners in terms of renewable energy.

“That is a mitigation approach. Or in terms of addressing a coastline or building climate-resilient facilities. That’s our vision. Those activities continue to be important for us in terms of addressing climate change. We have a very small blueprint in terms of carbon emissions,” he said.

He said that it is vital for the Pacific Islands to continue to work with partners, urging them of the responsibility to assist smaller countries in managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

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