Introduction
Pacific Island nations-especially small island developing states (SIDS)-have become powerful voices in the global fight against climate change. Despite contributing less than 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations are on the front lines of the climate crisis, facing rising sea levels, extreme weather, and threats to their very existence. In 2025, their leadership, advocacy, and alliances are driving some of the most significant changes in international climate negotiations, particularly around the issue of Loss and Damage.
Historical Roots: Pacific Advocacy for Climate Justice
Pacific advocacy for climate justice has deep roots. Even before the first UN climate talks, Pacific nations like Vanuatu and the Maldives were “first movers” in calling for international action to protect vulnerable island states from the dangers of global warming and sea level rise. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), formed in 1990, quickly became the “moral voice” of climate negotiations, championing the principle that those most responsible for climate change should bear the greatest responsibility for solving it.
Grassroots activism has also played a crucial role. In recent years, youth-led groups like Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change have mobilized communities, pushed for legal action, and brought the issue of climate justice to the world’s highest courts. Their efforts led to a landmark UN resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on states’ obligations regarding climate change-a move with the potential to reshape global climate law and accountability.
Key Pacific Voices and Alliances
- Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS): With 39 members, AOSIS is the primary coalition representing SIDS in climate talks. It works by consensus to amplify the collective voice of small island nations, strategically negotiating as a bloc to secure ambitious climate action, finance, and adaptation support.
- Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS): This group, currently chaired by Vanuatu, coordinates Pacific priorities at the UN and climate conferences.
- Pacific Islands Forum: Regional leaders use this platform to coordinate positions, share strategies, and advocate for urgent climate action.
- Civil Society and Youth Movements: Groups like Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change have been instrumental in pushing for legal and political breakthroughs, such as the ICJ advisory opinion.
Leading on Loss and Damage: From Advocacy to Action
The Road to the Loss and Damage Fund
For over 30 years, Pacific nations have championed the need for dedicated support to address “loss and damage”-the irreversible harms caused by climate change that cannot be prevented or adapted to. Their persistent advocacy, often sharing powerful stories of lived experience, was central to the historic agreement at COP27 to create a Loss and Damage Fund.
At COP28 in Dubai, Pacific leaders and negotiators played a key role in operationalizing the fund. The Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Tuvalu, among others, were vocal in demanding that the fund be accessible, adequately financed, and responsive to the unique needs of vulnerable communities. As Hon. Regenvanu, the Pacific’s Political Champion for Loss and Damage, stated: “I call on COP Presidencies, now and into the future, to prioritise Pacific communities, who are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change when it comes to the Loss and Damage Fund.”
Also Read – Loss and Damage in Climate Talks: A 2025 Guide
Why Loss and Damage Matters
For Pacific nations, loss and damage is not just a technical issue-it’s about survival, justice, and the right to maintain their cultures, sovereignty, and ways of life. As Tuvalu’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Seve Paeniu, noted, “Climate change is straining that relationship and some of our neighbours now face threats to the habitability, or their very ability to stay in their country, their entire nation is threatened now and they must consider that difficult option, such as cross-border migration. This is the sad reality we want funds like the Loss and Damage Fund to address.”
Shaping the Agenda for COP29 and Beyond
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Pacific Island nations remain at the forefront, pushing for:
- Increased and predictable funding: Pacific leaders stress that current pledges to the Loss and Damage Fund are far below what is needed. They are calling for industrialized countries to “pay up” and deliver on their climate finance promises.
- Accountability and access: Ensuring that funds reach the most vulnerable, with simple application processes and transparency.
- Maintaining the 1.5°C goal: Pacific negotiators insist that “1.5 to stay alive” is non-negotiable, as anything above this threshold would be catastrophic for their nations.
- Just transition and climate justice: The Pacific is advocating for a just transition that leaves no one behind, emphasizing the need for global action that is fair and inclusive.
As Hon. Maina Talia of Tuvalu put it, “We in the Pacific want to maintain the 1.5 to stay alive because our lives are non-negotiable. It is a lifeline for us.”
Why This Matters
The Pacific’s leadership is not just about their own survival-it’s about setting a moral and practical example for the world. Their advocacy has transformed global climate policy, ensuring that the needs and rights of the most vulnerable are at the heart of negotiations. By championing climate justice, legal accountability, and ambitious action, Pacific Island nations are shaping a future where no country is left behind.