AGP Executive Report

Mountain-to-ocean climate alliance: Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal proposed a “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership linking Himalayan and Pacific island vulnerability, arguing glacier melt and sea-level rise are one crisis. Paris Agreement push: India’s Bhupender Yadav urged faster Paris implementation, saying COP31 success must be measured by delivery and scaled support, not new promises. Tuvalu land protection funding: PNG pledged PGK25m over five years for Tuvalu’s coastal protection and land reclamation, backing options beyond relocation to preserve sovereignty. Climate finance gap at the centre: Pacific leaders and ADB’s Masato Kanda warned adaptation finance covers only about 26% of needs, while PRF pledges remain far below target; Fiji also committed US$10m to the Pacific Resilience Facility. Direct grants, not debt: Palau’s Whipps demanded faster, grant-based climate investment and warned the 1.5°C line is slipping. Youth and community pressure: Samoan youth advocate Brianna Fruean said leaders must turn hospitality into responsibility for finance, emissions cuts and 1.5°C protection. On-the-ground resilience: Fiji’s security forces joined Fiji Day clean-ups, while reports highlighted flooding risks in Nawajikuma from poor drainage and river impacts. Legal climate accountability: Australia’s High Court ruling on coal expansion reinforced that downstream climate impacts must be considered—fuel for Pacific calls to stop fossil-fuel approvals.

Climate diplomacy showdown: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned COP31 must not become “another talk shop,” as world leaders toured the atoll frontline and pushed for real fossil-fuel phaseout and 1.5°C action. Youth red lines: Pacific youth at Pre-COP31 in Fiji rejected “false solutions” like deep-sea mining and demanded the region not be treated as a “sacrifice zone.” Pregnancy under extreme heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell said extreme heat is driving rising pregnancy and birth complications, with risks hitting hardest where health systems lack cooling and reliable power. El Niño impacts: Leaders and officials flagged a Super El Niño bringing harsher drought and deluge conditions, with children facing higher flood/drought risks and school disruption. Climate finance frustrations: Pacific leaders complained adaptation money is slow, poorly designed, and hard to access, while Fiji urged partners to measure “time to community” not just pledges. Inclusion gap: Disability advocates said inaccessible grant rules and formats shut out Pacific disability groups from climate funding. Fiji-Australia funding deal: Fiji’s Vuvale Union package totals about A$1.5b over 10 years, with grants and loans aimed at major development priorities. Accountability push: UNODC and Pacific media joined anti-corruption efforts to track leakage in climate and disaster funds.

Tuvalu Pre-COP31 Warning: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia told visiting leaders COP31 must deliver “strategic action,” not another talk shop, as land sits about two metres above sea level and fossil-fuel phase-out is urgent. Fiji Returns to the Climate Spotlight: Fiji marked its return to the global climate stage nine years after hosting COP, with Pacific priorities focused on 1.5°C, faster climate finance to communities, and putting oceans at the centre. Climate Finance That Reaches People: Fiji’s environment officials pushed partners to measure “time to community” so adaptation money lands on the ground, not just in approved plans. Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Risks: A UN-linked survey says 73% of maternal health professionals report rising heat-related complications, calling pregnancy and childbirth a new fault line in the climate crisis. Fossil Fuel Tensions at Pre-COP: Australia faced pressure over coal and gas expansion even as it backed renewables and electrification, while Pacific leaders demanded an end to fossil-fuel addiction. Tuvalu Ecosystem on Display: Leaders toured Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation and land reclamation efforts, with some criticism of Australia’s handling and cultural respect. PNG Funds Tuvalu Coastal Work: Papua New Guinea pledged PGK25 million over five years for Tuvalu coastal adaptation and land reclamation, with annual instalments starting immediately. Suva Harbour Cleanup: The abandoned MV Westerland was removed from Mosquito Island to reduce navigation and marine-environment risks. Disability Justice in Climate Decisions: Pacific disability advocates demanded direct access to climate planning and finance, warning current systems leave people with disabilities behind. Nature-Based Solutions: Research highlighted “windows of opportunity” for mangrove restoration, aiming to improve where and when seedlings can successfully establish.

Extreme Heat and Pregnancy: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned at Fiji’s Pre-COP31 that extreme heat is increasingly linked to premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight and maternal complications, calling pregnancy a “new fault line” in the climate crisis. Pacific Pre-COP31 Push: Leaders and ministers gathered in Nadi and are set to travel to Tuvalu to show climate impacts firsthand ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, with Fiji urging the world to keep 1.5°C within reach, speed up climate finance, and put the ocean at the centre of decisions. Fiji’s Carbon Markets Plan: Fiji launched a 5-year, $5.2m plan to prepare for international carbon trading by 2030, with safeguards and community benefit-sharing focused on forests, mangroves, wetlands and other nature-based solutions. Ocean and Blue Economy Priority: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya told delegates that the ocean-climate link must be central, backing clean shipping, renewable energy and sustainable fisheries for COP31. Water Stress in Macuata-i-Wai: Villagers in Macuata-i-Wai face a month-long water shortage, paying extra to transport water and rationing supplies as the dry season continues. Women’s Voices at the Table: Pacific women’s groups called for greater voice in climate talks, warning that gendered impacts—on water, health and safety—are being sidelined. Climate and Child Marriage Risk: A new report says climate disasters are pushing families toward child marriage and teen pregnancies, with drought and heat driving pressures on girls’ health and futures.

Climate Health Alarm: UN climate chief Simon Stiell says extreme heat is becoming a “fatal faultline” for pregnancy and birth, citing a Wellcome survey where 73% of maternal health professionals reported more heat-linked complications and 81% fear worsening risks without stronger action. Pacific Pre-COP Focus: Pre-COP31 opened in Nadi with Fiji pushing for keeping 1.5°C within reach, faster climate finance, and putting the ocean at the centre of talks as sea-level rise threatens homes, reefs and livelihoods. Oceans & Blue Economy: Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya urged integrating the ocean-climate link, calling for clean shipping, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders and advocates demanded tangible outcomes on funding gaps, including calls for a “climate finance window” that reimburses islands after protection works are built. Fossil Fuel Scrutiny: Australia’s role as COP31 chair drew criticism over coal and gas ties, even as it announced renewable energy support for the Pacific and faced calls to back a just transition. Gendered Impacts: Pacific women leaders warned climate change is driving loss, displacement, gender-based violence and deeper poverty, demanding gender-responsive climate policy. Security & Logistics: Fiji deployed nearly 300 police officers around Denarau/Nadi for heightened Pre-COP31 security.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push (Nadi & Tuvalu): Pacific leaders opened UN pre-COP talks in Nadi, urging the world to keep 1.5°C within reach, scale up adaptation finance, and put the ocean at the centre of climate negotiations. Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya said leaders will carry three messages: protect 1.5, get money to communities now, and give the ocean its rightful place. A UN assessment warns sea levels in the Pacific are rising at twice the global average and that adaptation funding is far short of need. Health Impacts of Heat: A new survey commissioned by Wellcome found extreme heat is already harming pregnant women and newborns, with clinicians reporting cases linked to dehydration, low birth weight and restricted growth. Australia Under Fire: Pacific and rights groups say Australia’s “climate credibility” will be tested as it faces scrutiny over fossil fuel expansion while hosting COP31 negotiations. Ocean Loss in Tuvalu: Leaders are set to visit Tuvalu’s atolls where scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of the coral that formed the islands—raising fears of uninhabitability this century. Water Stress in Fiji: In Dramasi, women are waking at 2–3am to collect water as dry creeks and contamination risks worsen, with knock-on effects for hygiene and food security. Youth Voices: Fiji says youth recommendations from a three-day Australia-Pacific youth dialogue will be carried into pre-COP discussions. Plastic-to-Homes Pilot: Fiji is exploring turning hard-to-recycle plastic into climate-resilient homes using recycled plastic 3D-printed housing models.

Pre-COP31 Climate Diplomacy: World leaders and ministers are set to meet in Nadi (Oct 5–8) ahead of COP31 in Turkey, with Fiji and Tuvalu using the trip to push for 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean action—while delegates also plan a visit to low-lying Tuvalu. Tuvalu’s Coral Crisis: Scientists warn a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s coral, leaving reefs as “skeleton after skeleton,” and rising seas threaten habitability this century. Water Stress in Dramasi: Women in Tavua’s Dramasi are waking at 2–3am to collect contaminated water as drought dries creeks, hitting hygiene and food security. Fossil Fuel “Double Talk” Pushback: Faith and civil society leaders in Fiji and Australia say praising Pacific resilience while expanding fossil fuels is a moral excuse for inaction, urging a just transition and stronger loss-and-damage support. Cane Farmers Demand Clarity: Cane growers are asking Government whether the $85/tonne price will rise, warning costs and fuel hikes make the current rate unsustainable. Plastic-to-Homes Pilot: Fiji is exploring 3D-printed, climate-resilient homes using recycled plastic, with a farm-based model planned to test local building compliance.

COP31 Pre-COP in Fiji: World powers and Pacific leaders will meet in Nadi from Oct 5–8 to set the agenda for COP31 in Antalya, with Fiji pushing for 1.5°C to stay within reach, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean focus; officials say about 36 ministerial-level representatives are expected and Fiji is finalising the Falefatupekasa Declaration to lock in Pacific priorities. Climate Justice Mobilisation: More than 700 people gathered in Fremantle to send a “Climate Justice Now” message to Canberra, urging Australia to phase out coal, oil and gas and strengthen loss-and-damage support. El Niño and Food Security: Pacific impacts are already showing, with seaweed farmers in the region struggling as El Niño brings shifting rain, winds and longer low tides, threatening incomes and livelihoods. Fiji’s Climate Leadership: Minister Lynda Tabuya says the Pacific must be at the centre of global climate decision-making, with communities directly represented in pre-COP discussions. Youth at COP31: Fiji is pushing for a stronger youth voice, including youth statements in the Leaders’ Plenary and access to negotiation rooms. Adaptation Science in Fiji: New research on seven taro varieties finds big differences in drought resilience, pointing to varieties that could better handle water stress. Maritime Security: Australia joined a Pacific fisheries patrol operation to detect and deter illegal fishing and improve regional coordination.

Pre-COP Climate Talks in Nadi: World powers and Pacific leaders are set to meet in Nadi from Oct 5–8 to shape COP31 in Antalya, with Fiji pushing for 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean focus as sea levels rise at record pace and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. Tuvalu on the Frontline: Delegates will visit low-lying Tuvalu, where leaders stress the “Tuvalu Way” and the UN declaration on sea-level rise that protects sovereignty and maritime boundaries. Fiji’s Pre-COP Push: Fiji’s environment officials say ministers will tackle trade response measures, the Mitigation Work Programme, and the Global Goal on Adaptation, while the Falefatupekasa Declaration is being finalised to carry Pacific priorities into COP31. Youth at COP31: Fiji is expanding youth access to formal negotiations, including a youth voice in leaders’ sessions and observer statements on agenda items. Marine Litter Action Platform: Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency launched a platform to scale proven solutions for marine litter by linking projects to knowledge, technical support, and finance. Weather-Ready Pacific Funding Gap: Pacific weather services say budgets are too tight to maintain observation networks, even as a 10-year plan seeks more support to strengthen forecasting and warnings. Local Climate Impacts: A Fiji taro study finds big differences in drought resilience across varieties, offering practical leads for farmers facing worsening water stress.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 (Oct 5–8) is gearing up to spotlight Pacific priorities—faster, simpler climate finance, stronger ocean protection, and keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach—while leaders also plan a Tuvalu day trip to show frontline sea-level rise impacts. Youth at the Table: Fiji is pushing for a bigger youth voice at COP31, including youth statements in formal settings and access to negotiation rooms. Funding Gap Alarm: Pacific weather services face a major financing shortfall for the Weather-Ready Pacific plan, with shrinking budgets threatening forecast and cyclone warning networks. Adaptation Science in Action: New research on Fiji taro varieties finds big differences in drought resilience, pointing to varieties that may better handle worsening water stress. Integrity for COP31: Transparency International is urging Pacific governments to press for stronger integrity safeguards at COP31, including conflict-of-interest rules and independent ethics oversight. Regional Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of the talks to advocate for accessible climate finance and ocean-focused resilience work.

Pre-COP31 Climate Diplomacy: World powers and Pacific leaders are converging in Nadi (Oct 5–8) to set the agenda for COP31 in Antalya, with Pacific states pushing for 1.5°C, stronger ocean focus, and faster climate finance as sea-level rise accelerates. Tuvalu Sovereignty & Sea-Level Rise: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo says rising seas won’t threaten sovereignty or maritime boundaries, pointing to a UN sea-level rise declaration that protects continuity of statehood. Youth at COP31: Fiji is expanding youth access to formal COP31 negotiations, including speaking in leaders’ sessions and getting direct input on issues like ocean protection. Weather-Ready Pacific Funding Gap: Pacific meteorological services face a major financing shortfall for a 10-year upgrade plan, with declining observation networks blamed on tight operating budgets. Climate Integrity Push: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to strengthen COP31 integrity rules—conflict-of-interest safeguards, ethics oversight, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. Fiji Climate & Food Resilience: New research on Fiji taro varieties finds big differences in drought resilience, offering leads for crops that can better handle water stress. Maritime Security Law: Fiji’s Maritime Powers Bill passed, expanding powers to board, search and detain suspected ships—relevant for protecting marine areas and enforcement in Fiji waters. Constitution Referendum Process: Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill clears second reading and moves to third reading, with public consultations and a possible referendum if the required vote threshold is met.

Pre-COP integrity push: Transparency International is urging Pacific governments to use Fiji’s Pre-COP (5–8 Oct) to demand stronger COP31 integrity rules—independent ethics oversight, clear conflict-of-interest standards, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties. Climate finance gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third (26% on actual disbursements), with grant cuts pushing more lending and debt pressure. 1.5°C focus: Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu are meeting to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning there’s no “safe” future above that threshold for low-lying islands. El Niño preparedness: Fiji’s disaster council met in Suva to strengthen water, agriculture, health and food security planning using the latest climate outlook and its El Niño response plan. Local voices at Pre-COP: iTaukei resource owners are being encouraged to bring community concerns and traditional knowledge into negotiations, with relocation stories from women set to be shared in Nadi. Green finance steps: The Reserve Bank of Fiji released Green Finance Taxonomy User Guidelines 2026 to help align loans with low-carbon, climate-resilient priorities. Plastic pollution campaign: Reverend James Bhagwan paddled around Viti Levu to spotlight single-use plastics and their links to ocean and climate impacts.

El Niño preparedness: Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Council met in Suva to tighten coordination as El Niño conditions continue, focusing on water security, agriculture, health, food supplies and vulnerable communities, using the Fiji Meteorological Service’s latest climate outlook to guide action. Pre-COP31 voices: Fiji is hosting the Pacific SIDS pre-COP31 in Nadi, with iTaukei resource owners encouraged to bring traditional knowledge and community concerns into climate talks, while Fijian women from relocation-affected communities prepare to share relocation realities at a COP31 pre-event. Climate finance push: Kiribati backed a proposal to “re-engineer” climate finance so governments can carry out approved adaptation first and get reimbursement within 90 days—aimed at getting funds to frontline communities faster. Green finance rules: The Reserve Bank of Fiji released Fiji Green Finance Taxonomy User Guidelines 2026 to help banks assess green loans and investments for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Plastics treaty: Pacific SIDS leaders met in Bangkok to press for a strong, implementable global plastics treaty, with Fiji delivering the group’s opening statement. Mining oversight: Fiji plans real-time monitoring for tailings storage facilities and stronger enforcement powers under a new Minerals Exploration and Mining Bill. Kava Bill submissions: Yaqona farmers and stakeholders get another chance to submit concerns on the proposed Yaqona (Kava) Bill 2026 after its second reading. Maritime enforcement: Fiji’s Maritime Powers Bill passed, giving authorities powers to board, search and detain suspected ships in Fiji waters and under set conditions beyond.

Climate Justice & COP31 Prep: Pacific leaders are pushing climate justice and “keep 1.5 alive” messaging as Fiji hosts PSIDS pre-COP31 meetings in Nadi, with nearly 2,000 expected participants and a strong focus on survival, finance, and implementation ahead of COP31. Plastics Treaty Push: Fiji, as PSIDS chair, backed a strong, implementable global plastics treaty in Bangkok, calling for full lifecycle coverage, better health protections, and clearer pathways for problematic chemicals. Climate as a Health Emergency: WHO’s Pacific director urged Pacific governments to treat climate change as a health emergency, aligning climate and health financing and making facilities climate-resilient. Relocation Project Scrutiny: Parliament questioned delays and transparency gaps in a $2.7m German-funded climate relocation project, with villagers still waiting for roads, a church, playground, farmland and a community hall. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Fuel and LPG prices rise after FCCC reviews, while bus operators and taxi groups warn costs are squeezing services—taxi fare adjustments extended to March 2027. Biodiversity & Nature: BirdLife highlights climate-driven impacts on birds and calls for urgent action to protect the ecosystems birds depend on. Local Sustainability: Fiji’s bamboo sector gets a boost via a Suva furniture workshop, framed as knowledge transfer for a sustainable industry.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push (Fiji): Fiji is hosting a major PSIDS pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi (30 Sept–2 Oct), with nearly 2,000 participants expected, as Pacific leaders strategise to keep 1.5°C alive and secure stronger climate finance and support ahead of COP31. Plastics Treaty Momentum: Pacific SIDS, with Fiji delivering the opening statement, urged negotiators in Bangkok to protect a full lifecycle approach and better reflect human health and vulnerable communities in a legally binding global plastics treaty. Climate as a Health Emergency: WHO’s Pacific director called for climate and health financing to be aligned, saying climate change can’t be treated separately from protecting families, freshwater, food and health services. Relocation Project Scrutiny: Parliament questioned delays and transparency around a climate relocation project funded by a German NGO, with villagers still waiting for roads, a church, playground, farmland and a community hall. Fuel and Cost Pressures: FCCC approved higher fuel and LPG prices, while taxi operators welcomed a six-month extension of temporary fare adjustments to March 2027; bus operators also demanded a decision on a fuel subsidy. Water Safety: 8,611 Fiji households still rely on high-risk water sources, prompting expanded purification and sanitation support. Ocean & Fisheries: Pacific nations pressed for stronger international support at a fisheries summit, focusing on youth opportunities and making ocean agreements work with regional arrangements. Local Action & Awareness: A Fiji Museum bamboo workshop highlighted sustainable industry potential, while a Reverend paddled around Viti Levu to raise awareness on single-use plastics.

Climate diplomacy for COP31: Fiji is hosting a 1.5°C to Stay Alive forum at USP in Suva on 3 Oct, aiming to keep the Paris threshold within reach and make sure Pacific priorities shape Pre-COP31 talks. Planned relocation realities: A Pre-COP31 side event in Nadi (5 Oct) will spotlight women and elders from Nabavatu, Narikoso, Vunidavo and Nayavuira, sharing how relocation affects land, livelihoods, culture and belonging. Water safety: About 8,611 rural households still rely on high-risk water sources; the Rural and Maritime Development Ministry says it’s expanding purification, sanitation and drought resilience support. Food safety and kava: New border controls require permits and traceability for all imported kava, with chemotype and microbiological testing; failing shipments can be detained or destroyed. Sugar sector accountability: Parliament’s committee questions the Sugar Industry Tribunal after its 2021 annual report was submitted nearly four years late, calling for stronger governance and reporting. Local conservation: FNU students turned a Mount Korobaba photo assignment into action by planting coconut trees and installing anti-litter signs. Transport affordability: Fiji’s taxi fare drop charge extension runs until 31 Mar 2027, giving operators and riders more breathing room amid fuel-price uncertainty.