11 December 2019, Madrid, Spain - Niue, one of the smallest countries in the world has called for leaders to take climate action, demonstrate leadership, ambitions and decisiveness - now.
Speaking during the High Level Segment of the Twenty-fifth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Hon Dalton Tagelagi, Minister of Natural Resources of Niue highlighted the challenge that climate change poses to achieving their vision of a Prosperous Niue, Niue ke Monuina.
“We have suffered through catastrophic cyclones and natural disasters in the past. Through these past experiences and lessons, our people have resolved to build a resilient Niue, to contribute to building a resilient Pacific, and by submitting our NDC we continue to contribute to a resilient globe,” stated the Hon Minister.
“However, there is much more work to be done and we strongly call upon developed countries and large emitters to play their part.”
Niue, with a population of just over 1,600, contributes to less than 1% to the global greenhouse gas emissions, yet is amongst the most vulnerable, and on the frontline of the negative impacts of climate change.
The island country is alarmed that the latest scientific reports indicate the planet is not on the path to a 1.5 Degree Celsius, or lower, as committed to in the Paris Agreement.
“For Niue and Pacific Small Island States, science is crucial now in providing the basis of information and evidence that will allow our projects on mitigation and adaptation to be approved,” said Hon. Tagelagi.
“We have stringent processes to access financial support for climate change adaptation and mitigation activities, but without much needed data to justify our needs and challenges, this process will remain difficult for a country with limited resources and challenges at the national level.”
Niue is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its food security and freshwater supplies are under threat from the potential effects of climate change, as well as its infrastructure, environment and people.
As a large ocean island state, the ocean and all she carries, is one of the most valuable resources of Niue which is also at risk of losing a significant portion of its marine resources due to climate change.
“There is no more time for talk. The finalisation of the Paris Agreement Rulebook at this COP will set the building blocks of climate change efforts going forward and the platform for us to raise climate ambition,” said the Minister of Niue, Hon. Tagelagi.
“This is the essence for our survival and for our future generations.”
Niue was represented by Hon Dalton Tagelagi, Minister of Natural Resources at the High Level Segment at the Twenty-fifth Conference of the Parties in Madrid, Spain.
The High Level Segement is held from 10 to 11 December, 2019 and the UNFCCC COP25 is held from 2 to 13 December, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.