From July 26–27, 2022, COP President Alok Sharma will travel to Fiji to observe the effects of climate change in the Pacific.
He will emphasise the need for the largest polluters to act quickly in order to fulfil the Glasgow Climate Pact’s promises, which were agreed to by almost 200 nations at COP26.
His visit is part of the UK COP Presidency’s ongoing efforts to pressure other nations to renew their climate commitments in advance of COP27 in Egypt, in line with the critical objective of keeping global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels.
In order to build on the major accomplishments of COP26, including adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance, Mr. Sharma will meet with ministers.
Mr. Sharma will also go to Buretu village in Tailevu during his tour to see the effects of climate change on Fijians’ way of life.
The hamlet experiences frequent flooding that severely damages land, crops, and local property as a result of severe weather events brought on by climate change.
The residents have made the decision to stay put and struggle to maintain their homes in spite of these effects.
In Suva, Mr. Sharma will have an open discussion on the region’s goals for COP27 and how the UK can assist realise them with the Pacific High-Level Champions for COP and representatives of the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific.
Additionally, he will give the opening keynote speech at the Pacific Island Forum.
Mr. Sharma stated this prior to his visit:
It gives me great pleasure to be in Fiji and to be fighting for causes that are important to my Pacific partners.
Fiji and other island nations are on the front lines of climate change, having to adjust to its effects despite not having contributed to global warming.
To keep the increase in global temperature below 1.5 degrees and to support the development of resilient, affluent, low-carbon economies worldwide, immediate action is required.
I’m looking forward to meeting with government ministers during my visit to talk about how the UK and Fiji can work together to implement ambitious climate action.
I’m eager to interact with youth organisations and the civic society to find out more about the problems that are important to them.