Speaking at the opening of the 42nd Forum Leaders Meeting in Auckland, Forum Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the exposure of Pacific communities to the dangers of climate change is globally well acknowledged.
“The world is already locked into a certain level of global warming which will affect all economies and communities.
He said adaptation is crucial in the fight against climate change in island nations.
“Climate change is a danger now, not an issue for tomorrow. Adaptation is a must, not an option. Urgent mitigation is critical, including the reduction of fossil fuel dependence and energy efficiency. All these initiatives must ensure long term sustainable economic growth and development.
“Comprehensive energy road map initiatives are being undertaken in several Forum Island Countries and we highly commend these efforts.
“We know from such efforts the importance of having sound national plans, systems and institutional structures, which must mainstream and reflect climate change.
“We commend to the proposals to leaders to improve options for forum island countries in accessing global sources of climate financing.
Incoming Forum chairman, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, failed to mention climate change in his opening speech, instead focusing on New Zealand’s relation with the Pacific Islands Forum.
“We are committed to strengthening relations with our closest neighbors in the Pacific and we see the Pacific Islands Forum as one of the best way to do that.
Key said the Forum Leaders deliberation in the next two days will focus on tourism, fisheries, energy and education.
“Tourism is a growth industry globally. It’s also an area we have strong competitive advantage with our cultural diversity, friendly people and natural beauty.
“The Pacific has the world largest great tuna resource, so there is huge potential to increase earnings in this area, at same time we need to make sure we develop the industry in a sustainable manner, he said.
The region depends on importing fossil fuels for its energy needs, yet it has great potential in renewable energy and there is room to improve our energy efficiency, he said.
On education, Key stressed the need to have a skilled workforce to help Pacific grow their economies
