COP28: Humanity is at a breaking point – Rabuka

While identifying climate change as the major threat to the Pacific's survival and identity, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says humanity is at a breaking point.

While speaking to world leader during at the COP28 Leader's Summit in Dubai Rabuka also emphasised the critical need for urgent and transformative action to combat the escalating climate crisis.

He says COP28 is recognised as a pivotal moment for humanity, demanding collective efforts to effectively respond to the pressing climate challenges.

He also stressed the imperative of acting with urgency, stating that failure to do so would inevitably result in surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit, a threshold deemed critical for the survival of Pacific nations.

While reflecting on his participation in the first Rio Earth Summit in 1992 as the Prime Minister, Rabuka expressed disappointment in the insufficient progress made over the past 28 years.

Rabuka says emissions, a core metric for evaluating the climate crisis have dramatically increased, posing a severe threat to global sustainability and well-being.

He says the rate of emissions is the core metric to take stock of and respond to and it serves as the heartbeat of the planet, and the response hinges on the ability to curtail this critical metric.

He adds a doubling of adaptation finance by 2025 will reflect the dedication to building resilience in the face of climate change, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.

Experts estimate that over US$4 trillion will be needed annually by 2030 to manage the impacts of climate change and mobilise financing and investments for a sustainable future.

Rabuka adds we stand at a precipice, their actions today will determine the future of the nations, and bold decisions and steadfast commitment are required to safeguard our planet.