Tabuya Pushes Urgent Climate Action, Says 1.5°C ‘Non-Negotiable’

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Hon. Lynda Tabuya has called for urgent global action on climate change, warning that the 1.5°C temperature limit remains a “red line” for Pacific nations.

Speaking at the Post-COP30 Debrief of the Pacific Political Climate Champions in Nadi yesterday (09.04.2026), Minister Tabuya said the 1.5°C target is grounded both in science and the lived realities of Pacific communities.

The meeting, hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, brought together ministers, senior officials and CROP agencies to assess outcomes from COP30 and plan ahead.

As Chair of Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and Fiji’s political climate finance champion, Minister Tabuya stressed that time is rapidly running out to limit global warming.

She warned that global temperatures are already approaching or exceeding the 1.5°C threshold and said the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion has strengthened the Pacific’s call for urgent global action and greater support for vulnerable nations.

Minister Tabuya outlined six key priorities to accelerate climate action, including cutting emissions, securing climate finance, shifting from planning to implementation, ensuring equitable support for Pacific countries, protecting science-based decision-making, and recognising the critical role of the ocean.

She also briefed the meeting on preparations for the upcoming pre-COP31 event to be held in Nadi in October, which will be followed by a leaders’ event in Tuvalu.

The Pacific Political Climate Champions initiative, established in 2021, aims to strengthen the region’s voice in global climate negotiations.

Current champions include Hon Mona Ainu’u of Niue (Oceans and Climate Nexus), Hon Ralph Regenvanu of Vanuatu (Loss and Damage), Hon Siaosi Sovaleni of Tonga (Just Transition), Hon Ruth Cross Kwansing of Kiribati (Gender and Social Inclusion), Hon Maina Talia of Tuvalu (Mitigation), Hon Bremity Lakjohn of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (Adaptation), and Hon Lynda Tabuya of Fiji (Climate Finance).