PARIS, (SPREP) —- Before it has even been agreed upon, the world is already failing the current proposal for the new Climate Change agreement to reduce global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
While the Pacific islands call for the 190+ parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees, the reality is the combination of all national pledges now on the table takes it to over 3 degrees Celsius.
“This is in direct conflict with the objective of the Convention. Our task at this historic gathering is to breathe new life into the 23 year old Climate Change Convention as climate change is fast creating an uncertain future for all,” presented Samuel Manetoali, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology of the Solomon Islands at the High Level Event at the COP21.
“In the remaining four days, we must collectively establish medium and long-term emission reduction pathways capable of limiting temperature increase to well below 1.5 degrees Celcius. We must also enhance implementation of the Kyoto Protocol which is fundamental to enhance pre 2020 climate action”.
“It lays a solid foundation for enhanced post 2020 action to secure aggregate emission pathways consistent to achieve a below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Stabilising global temperature increase to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius will enable my country to sign onto the new Agreement.”
The Solomon Islands, alike other Pacific island nations, is displaying environmental leadership – while emitting 0.01% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, they have committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12% below 2015 level by 2025 and 30% below 2015 level by 2030.
“We are punching way above our weight, taking on more than our fair share in being part of the global solution.”
“Furthermore, the Solomon Islands can contribute a further 27% reduction in emissions by 2025 and 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 with appropriate international assistance.”
The Solomon Islands are also asking for a REDD+ mechanism and support to strengthen carbon sinks and implement INDC’s must also be a part of the new agreement being negotiated.
Here at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, the Solomon Islands are also negotiating for a Loss and Damage institution to deal with permanent Loss and Damage as a result of climate change, one that is fully supported to carry out its mandate.
The parting words of Minister Manetoali of the Solomon Islands resonated at the High Level Segment of COP21 –
“Climate change is man-made problem and can be addressed, here in Paris. We are the last generation that will be remembered to guarantee humanity’s survival. We have one shot at getting it right. Let us not fail our people and the future of humanity.”
