By Ednal Palmer, In-Depth Solomons
The opening day of the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR) in Apia set a determined tone, as Pacific leaders and climate experts pressed for bold, coordinated action to turn mitigation pledges into concrete outcomes for the region.
Delegates from across the Pacific gathered to share updates and shape strategies that can both raise climate ambition and tackle the unique challenges faced by island nations on the frontline of climate change.
One of the key highlights came from Vanuatu’s Acting Director of the Department of Climate Change, Nelson Kalo, who reported on progress toward a Pacific-led Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The treaty seeks to halt fossil fuel expansion, phase out existing infrastructure, and ensure a just transition to renewable energy.
Kalo said the region’s pathway is grounded in legal research, financing strategies, and the principles of regional cooperation.
He revealed that a draft political declaration, emerging from recent negotiations in Bonn, Germany, is expected to be brought before the COP30 ministerial meeting.
“The idea is to eventually phase out the use of fossil fuels,” Kalo said. “While our voices are loud, we have to take leading actions.”
The initiative’s momentum has also been bolstered by a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which provides legal grounding for climate action.
In a broader discussion on mitigation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project Manager Dr. Vladimir Kalinski reminded delegates that electricity alone will not solve the region’s energy challenges.
While renewable power remains essential, he warned against solutions that create unintended consequences — citing battery waste from electric cars as an example.
“There are options, and we should use whatever is convenient and available in the Islands,” Kalinski said. “But when solving problems, we should try not to create new ones.”
The PCCR continues this week, with Pacific leaders aiming to transform shared ambition into an actionable roadmap for a cleaner, climate-resilient future.
The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR), guided by the theme “1.5 to stay alive and thrive,” is taking place at Taumeasina Island Resort from 13-15 August. The PCCR is attended by Pacific governments, youths, civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector to engage collectively through the use of interactive activities to share their experiences amongst peers, bolster their networks and utilise the event to initiate new partnership opportunities.
The PCCR follows the Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 and the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage, at the same venue in Samoa.
The Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue 2025 and the inaugural Pacific Youth Dialogue on Loss and Damage are made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.
This story was produced by the Pacific Media Team covering the meetings. Their attendance is made possible with funding support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project with the Government of New Zealand.