Page 2 - November 2021 IB FINAL

As I return to Fiji from the global climate negotiations, I remain
inspired and grateful to all our people across all our nations who
have supported the voice of the Pacific at COP26. From the youngest
activists to the veterans of the first COP, from the handful in Glasgow
to the hundreds supporting virtually, your support is at the heart of our
joint efforts for our Pacific and global future.
I know my other one-CROP colleagues will join me in especially
thanking the Forum Chair and all our Leaders, PSIDS Chair and all
our Pacific negotiators for their hard work, long hours, and tireless
determination in Glasgow. Most of all, to the Political Climate
Champions. You made the difficult choice to be there, keeping the
Pacific faith for the world to see, right to the closing gavel. You have
done us all proud.
After six long years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement,
the Paris Rulebook is finalised. This is a critical milestone as we look
towards COP27.
It’s also a gain for our Blue Pacific Continent, that there will now be
an annual dialogue on Ocean within the UNFCCC process, starting in
June 2022.
This is an important step for the Ocean-Climate nexus.
COP26 did not deliver all that’s required to keep us firmly aligned to
a 1.5 reality, but there is a sliver of hope, enough to keep 1.5 in reach, if
the world moves with courage and conviction, and quickly.
We are no longer debating the science, or in any doubt that our
world is in a climate emergency. The 1.5 call is now the catch phrase of
the world, for a simple reason. It is the last window of opportunity to
save our planet, and to save ourselves.
The vision of 1.5 remains urgent, and it remains strong.
Together, as one Blue Pacific, we will continue the fight for the
future of our one Blue Planet.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General
Henry Puna

2 Islands Business, November 2021