Declaration makes it to COP27

AN agreement penned by solely grassroots communities and activists has made its way to the highest echelons at COP27.

The Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration was delivered to the new Australian ambassador for climate change, Kristin Tilley and leaders of the Pacific Island Forum.

Part of the documents includes recommendations such as greater action on mitigation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that align with the 1.5 degree celsius temperature goal.

The declaration also called for urgent progress on the issue of loss and damage facility to protect homes and livelihoods.

The Kioa declaration also called for a guaranteed access to finance and the creation of more equitable finance arrangements.

According to 350.org Pacific managing director Joseph Sikulu, Australia was historically a big challenge for the Pacific through Australia’s insistence on the expansion of coal, one of the leading causes of the climate crisis.

“It was encouraging to meet with ambassador Tilley at COP27 and have her receive the Kioa Declaration with interest,” he said.

“With the recent change in government, we hope that Australia will step up their climate commitments. If Australia is truly a genuine neighbour to the Pacific, they will move beyond their addiction to coal and support the repair of communities impacted by the climate crisis with new and additional loss and damage finance.”

Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) regional policy coordinator Lavetanalagi Seru said the Kioa Declaration and its associated finance mechanism was one that was rooted in justice, equity and inclusion.

“Not only are Pacific communities at the frontlines being disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, but they are also dealing with the challenges of accessing real time support, and resources to be able to deal with this existential threat,” he said.

“We hope that our neighbours, like Australia and New Zealand and the rest of the developed world, are truly listening. We need to act now to save our region and the future of humanity.”

Picture: PIANGO PIANGO board secretary Sepesa Rasili signs the KIOA Climate Emergency Declarations after it was launched by the KIOA Council on the island.