Urgent Call for Global Action
Separated by oceans, leaders united in their call on the international community to prioritize immediate action and financial support to combat the climate crisis. They emphasized that their nations are in the crosshairs of this emergency and already experiencing its impacts.
As small island States fight for survival, their message on Wednesday was crystal clear: action is needed now, and the global community must stand together.
Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles, stressed that climate change is the foremost challenge facing humanity. Failure to address its effects will devastate current and future generations.
Highlighting vulnerabilities, President Ramkalawan stated, “Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean degradation are stark reminders of the urgent need for global action on climate change.”
Global Catastrophe in the Making
Off the Atlantic coast of Africa, President of Cabo Verde, José Maria Pereira Neves, emphasized that while small island States are first affected by climate change, the impacts extend deep into the hinterlands.
He urged immediate attention to rising sea levels, noting that no one is immune to this catastrophe. He welcomed the high-level meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise.
President Neves highlighted the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable nations, especially small islands, and called for bolder commitments from high-emission countries.
He outlined essential steps:
- Swift implementation of climate policies
- Increased funding mechanisms
- Stronger global cooperation
Triple Planetary Crisis
In the Caribbean Sea, the climate crisis remains a shared battle. Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, President of the Dominican Republic, emphasized the “triple planetary crisis” – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
He reiterated his country’s commitment to establishing the fund for loss and damage and achieving the 30×30 goal in protecting maritime territory. This initiative aims to have 30% of the world’s land and oceans under protection by 2030.
President Abinader stressed the importance of global solidarity in addressing these interconnected challenges.
He called for decisive action, noting that the survival of island nations depends on it.
Breaking the Cycle of Empty Pledges
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, noted that climate change threatens our very existence and underscored the need to follow through on commitments already made.
He lamented the cycle of hope followed by disappointment at international climate conferences and demanded that all pledges be fulfilled immediately.
President Ali stressed the importance of breaking free from the pattern of empty promises for the sake of the planet and future generations.
He urged world leaders to take concrete actions, emphasizing that rhetoric alone will not suffice in combating the climate crisis.
Facing the Daily Reality of Climate Change
President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica highlighted the “daily reality” of climate change that her country faces, with intensified hurricanes and devastating floods.
She recalled the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, noting that such tragedies reiterate that the time for rhetoric has long passed.
President Burton called for urgent, bold, and decisive action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as science clearly dictates.
She emphasized the need for drastic reductions in emissions, honoring financial commitments, and building resilience in regions most at risk.
Resisting the Rising Tides
In the Pacific, President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands emphasized that rising seas are consuming her nation’s coastline, but declared their determination to resist.
She urged world leaders to prevent the melting of the cryosphere and to show ambition and cooperation in their climate action plans.
President Heine called for scaling up renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
She criticized wealthy countries for breaking their climate pledges and stressed that no new coal mines, gas fields, or oil wells should be developed.
Milo2
Time to put our money where our mouth is, world leaders! No more empty promises!
henryempress
Isn’t it ironic that the countries contributing least to climate change are suffering the most?
Felix
Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. We need more awareness and action!
Bailey_Nexus
This is so frustrating! How many more conferences do we need before actual change happens?
Elena5
Great post! But what specific actions can individuals take to support these island nations?
BentleyVoyager
Why do wealthier nations seem to ignore the pleas from island leaders? It’s disheartening. 😢