This was the strong message delivered by the Fijian Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFs), Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the second session of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia.
In his address at the Food and Energy Security session, the Prime Minister revealed some common challenges faced by the Pacific, saying that parallel to the effects of the global pandemic and conflict, the Pacific nations bear the crushing burden of the climate crisis – the most serious long-term threat to our food systems.
"Sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, ocean acidification, and land degradation could starve us out within decades and that suffering will not be felt in isolation," he said.
"The Pacific Ocean covers 30 percent of the earth’s surface and supplies 60 percent of the global tuna catch alone. If you eat food or breathe air, you need to care what happens to the Pacific."
The Prime Minister in his address, also made special mention about the tragic attack on former Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe. He said, “He has always been a faithful friend to Fiji, and I hope we can strive here for the same peace that he always championed as a world leader.”
He also took the opportunity to highlight some of Fiji’s commitments towards climate change and ocean and sustainable development.
"By 2030, Fiji has committed to protect 30% of our ocean and produce more than 160,000 metric tonnes of sustainable farmed and harvested ocean products. We are doing our part, but we need every country to do theirs."
"The growing gap in finance for ocean science, governance, and management must be filled. Climate and economic pressures, as well as Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing pose huge threats and we demand that our waters and sovereignty be respected by all nations."
Prime Minister Bainimarama also called on the G20 nations to strengthen their nationally determined contributions.
"I put that challenge to this G20 Forum, “It is time to step up ambition and action to cut carbon emissions. Climate action is not just transformational for your countries, but lifesaving for your people and mine," he added.
"The Pacific is doing its part. Thanks to the support of development partners, we are financing renewal energy transitions, including in regional shipping. We are also working on climate-related legal, policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms.
"But, we need secured investment to finance our transition and to construct, climate-proof and manage infrastructure that can reliably and affordably support our economies,” Prime Minister Bainimarama added.