AGP Executive Report

COP31 Action: Australia and Türkiye will prepare a draft decision for November’s summit, including a push for electrification to cut fossil-fuel use and keep the 1.5°C goal within reach. Pacific Priorities: The Taku Pakasoa Declaration calls for faster emissions cuts, better climate finance and protection for island communities, putting Pacific concerns at the centre of COP31 talks. Tuvalu’s Coastline: Papua New Guinea has pledged 25 million kina over five years for Tuvalu’s land reclamation and coastal protection, with the first payment already transferred. Green Climate Fund-backed work is also set to expand reclamation by about 20 hectares—roughly one-fifth of Funafuti’s area. Climate Tools: India offered Pacific countries support in ocean science, shoreline monitoring, early-warning systems and climate risk assessment.

COP31 Technology: Australia and Türkiye plan a pre-written summit decision that could speed negotiations on electrification, replacing fossil-fuel-burning systems with electric alternatives. Tuvalu’s Coastal Defences: A Green Climate Fund-backed project is being expanded to reclaim about 20 hectares—roughly a fifth of Funafuti’s area—and protect communities from rising seas. Papua New Guinea has pledged 25 million kina over five years for Tuvalu’s land and coastal work. Climate Tools: India offered Pacific nations expertise in satellite mapping, shoreline monitoring, coastal planning, cyclone alerts and climate-risk assessment. Regional Funding: The Green Climate Fund says another US$300 million for Pacific projects may go to its board this month; Tuvalu has also secured a US$36 million grant for coastal adaptation.

Tuvalu’s Coastal Defences: Papua New Guinea has pledged PGK25 million over five years for land reclamation and coastal protection, with the first PGK5 million already transferred. Resilient Infrastructure: Australia is backing work to protect Tuvalu’s VAKA undersea cable landing site, combining nature-based measures with coastal structures. Climate Science: NASA research cited at the Pacific pre-COP found Tuvalu’s sea levels rose about 15 centimetres in three decades—roughly twice the global average—underscoring the urgency of turning climate commitments into practical support.

Tuvalu’s Coastal Defences: Papua New Guinea has pledged PGK25 million over five years for land reclamation and coastal protection, with the first PGK5 million already transferred. Leaders visiting Funafuti saw a six-hectare reclamation project as Tuvalu confronts seas that have risen about 15 centimetres in three decades—roughly twice the global average. Resilient Infrastructure: Australia is investing A$3 million in Pacific coastal protection, including safeguards for Tuvalu’s VAKA undersea cable landing site, using a mix of nature-based measures and engineered structures. Climate Finance: At Pre-COP31, Pacific leaders urged wealthier nations to deliver faster, grant-based support; Fiji announced an extra $10 million for the Pacific Resilience Facility.

Climate Delivery Pressure: Pacific leaders at Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu are pushing COP31 to move from promises to action, using Tuvalu’s frontline reality as the yardstick for whether the world is closing the gap between climate knowledge and climate support. Direct Finance, Not Delays: Palau’s Whipps and others demand faster, grant-based climate finance and warn that slow funding and debt are leaving communities exposed as the 1.5°C goal nears. Tuvalu on the Ground: Leaders toured Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation and land reclamation work, where rising seas are already reshaping homes and ecosystems. 1.5°C and “No More Talk”: Solomon Islands PM Wale and others say COP31 can’t be another negotiation round; ministers also reaffirm deep, rapid emissions cuts to avoid overshoot. Sovereignty and Sea-Level Law: A landmark UN sea-level rise declaration is highlighted as key for protecting statehood and maritime rights as coastlines change. Pacific Tech & Resilience Support: Australia backs resilient coastlines and riverbanks through CIRCAR, including protection for Tuvalu’s undersea cable landing site. Climate Justice Beyond Carbon: Pacific disability advocates and violence-prevention partners are also urging inclusion in climate decisions and funding, while climate advocates issue “red lines” against false solutions and fossil expansion.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged world leaders to speak “as one” and turn shared climate priorities from Funafuti into real action ahead of COP31. Tuvalu on the Frontline: Leaders toured Tuvalu’s Coastal Adaptation Project as white sand was dredged to reclaim land, with officials warning promises won’t stop rising tides. Climate Finance Frustration: A pre-COP trip to Funafuti highlighted how slow, insufficient funding and tough terms are blocking faster adaptation. Regional Push for 1.5°C: Pacific leaders and advocates set “red lines” for negotiations, including no false solutions, a fossil fuel phase-out, and protecting the living planet. Health Impacts of Extreme Heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell flagged rising risks for pregnant women and newborns, citing a survey of health workers seeing heat-linked complications. PNG Steps Up: Papua New Guinea pledged K25 million over five years for Tuvalu coastal adaptation and land reclamation. Global Support Signals: EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra is in Fiji and Tuvalu to press clean electrification and faster implementation.

Climate Diplomacy in Tuvalu: Pacific leaders toured the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, watching dredged sand reclaim land and hearing warnings that “promises will not hold back rising tides” ahead of COP31. Fossil Fuel Pressure: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka said the transition away from fossil fuels is “not open for renegotiation,” as leaders demanded action—not charity—on 1.5°C. PNG Funding for Adaptation: Papua New Guinea pledged K25 million over five years for Tuvalu coastal adaptation and land reclamation, including immediate coastal defence support. Coral Reef Collapse: Scientists told leaders that a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, threatening fisheries and island habitability. Climate Finance and Inclusion: Pacific disability advocates demanded direct access to climate decision-making and finance. Health Impacts of Heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is becoming a pregnancy hazard, with a survey showing most health workers have seen heat-linked complications. Pre-COP in Fiji: Talks in Nadi focus on keeping 1.5°C within reach, faster clean energy, ocean protection, and climate money reaching communities.

Pacific Pre-COP31 in Fiji: Leaders and negotiators from dozens of countries have begun climate talks in Nadi ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, with Australia and Fiji pushing a Pacific-led agenda on 1.5°C, climate finance, and ocean protection. Tuvalu frontline visit: A major delegation is heading to Tuvalu to see impacts first-hand, including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project and warnings that sea levels are already forcing relocation planning. Human cost of heat: UN climate chief Simon Stiell says extreme heat is becoming a pregnancy hazard, citing a survey where most health workers reported heat-linked complications for mothers and newborns. Coral collapse: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, leaving “skeleton after skeleton” and threatening fisheries and island habitability. What leaders demand: Fiji PM Rabuka tells diplomats the Pacific is done asking for sympathy, while advocates set “five red lines” rejecting fossil fuel expansion and demanding real action, not promises. Fossil-fuel backlash: Greenpeace and Amnesty accuse Australia of “double talk,” pointing to fossil fuel expansion alongside the Pacific-hosted climate push.

Extreme Heat & Maternal Health: UN climate chief Simon Stiell is warning at Pre-COP in Nadi that extreme heat is becoming a pregnancy hazard, citing a Wellcome-commissioned survey where nearly all of 1,000 midwives and doctors across five continents reported heat-linked complications, including premature birth, stillbirth and low birth weight. Pre-COP31 in Fiji & Tuvalu: More than 50 countries are meeting Oct 5–8 to push for keeping 1.5°C within reach, boosting climate finance, accelerating clean energy and protecting oceans, with a leaders’ event in Tuvalu (Oct 5–6) to put frontline impacts on the agenda. Tuvalu’s Frontline Reality: Leaders are set to visit Tuvalu as science points to rapid sea-level rise and ecosystem collapse, including a 2024 marine heatwave that killed an estimated 99.9% of coral, while officials stress sea-level rise is already a present reality. Pacific Climate Demands: Advocates are urging negotiators to defend the 1.5°C goal with five “red lines” including no false solutions, a fossil fuel phase-out, no new extraction, protection of the living planet, and no monetisation of non-economic loss and damage. Fossil Fuel Pressure on Australia: Greenpeace and Amnesty say Australia’s “double talk” must end, calling for action on fossil fuel expansion and fair climate finance ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Connectivity & Resilience Tech: Tuvalu is also rolling out cheaper travel and improved maritime and internet links to strengthen day-to-day access across islands as climate pressures mount. Health Security in the Region: WHO and partners unveiled a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund-backed project to strengthen disease surveillance, lab capacity and emergency response across 12 countries.

Pacific Pre-COP31 Push: Fiji says the Pacific will steer global climate talks toward practical action as more than 50 countries meet in Nadi, with a Leaders’ segment in Tuvalu and a focus on 1.5°C, clean energy, ocean protection and climate finance. Tuvalu on the Frontline: Scientists warn a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, while leaders visit low-lying atolls where sea-level rise is already reshaping daily life. Coal vs Climate Diplomacy: Activists accuse Australia and Türkiye of running COP31 while staying tied to coal, as Pre-COP preparations in Fiji and Tuvalu face pressure to deliver a real fossil-fuel transition. Connectivity for Survival: Tuvalu announces cheaper, subsidised flights to Fiji, plus improved maritime services and cheaper internet, to keep islands connected as climate impacts worsen. Health Security Boost: WHO and partners unveil a $35.99m Pandemic Fund-backed multi-country Western Pacific project to strengthen surveillance, lab capacity and outbreak response. Ocean Tech & Policy: COP31’s presidency launches a Marine Litter Action Platform to link proven solutions with knowledge, monitoring and financing. Culture & Identity: Tuvaluans in Aotearoa mark Language Week to keep te ‘gana Tuvalu alive for younger generations.

Pre-COP in the Pacific: World climate negotiators are heading to Fiji and Tuvalu for COP31 prep talks (Oct 5–8), with leaders pushing for 1.5°C, faster climate finance, and stronger ocean focus. Tuvalu’s climate reality on display: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, leaving “skeleton after skeleton,” as sea-level rise already swamps atolls. Connectivity upgrades for Tuvalu: PM Feleti Teo announced cheaper, subsidised flights to Fiji (capped fares) plus improved maritime services and cheaper internet access to strengthen daily life and services. Adaptation engineering: Tuvalu is reclaiming land above flood levels—15.3 hectares already created on Funafuti, with more underway—while also using digital tools to protect sovereignty and heritage. Climate cooperation and tech transfer: A Fiji National University scholar highlights China’s renewable energy partnerships and training as practical support for Pacific climate action ahead of the Pre-COP leaders’ events. Health security boost: WHO and partners launched a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund project to strengthen disease surveillance, lab capacity, and emergency response across 12 countries. Coral and fossil-fuel impacts tools: Australia’s Carbon Impacts Tracer is translating fossil-fuel emissions into real-world risks like extreme heat and coral loss, feeding into the climate debate. Culture and language: Tuvalu Language Week in Aotearoa is helping children keep te ‘Gana Tuvalu alive through songs and community activities. Women’s voice in climate decisions: Pacific research argues women are excluded from water and climate decision-making, driving gaps in how communities plan and respond.

COP31 Pre-COP in Fiji: World powers are sending ministers and negotiators to Nadi (Oct 5–8) to set the agenda for COP31 in Türkiye, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C target, more climate finance, and stronger ocean focus as sea levels rise fast. Tuvalu connectivity boost: Tuvalu will reserve subsidised Fiji flight seats for nationals and improve maritime links, aiming to cut travel costs and strengthen digital access. Tuvalu on the front line: Delegates will visit low-lying Tuvalu, where land reclamation is already creating elevated ground as rising seas threaten homes and sovereignty. Pandemic preparedness for the region: WHO and partners unveiled a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund project to strengthen disease surveillance, lab capacity, and emergency response across 12 countries. Oceans and pollution action: Türkiye’s COP31 presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform to connect proven solutions with knowledge, monitoring, and finance. Whale sanctuary setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Tuvalu among the countries voting against. Science for climate impacts: Australia’s Carbon Impacts Tracer tool is translating fossil-fuel emissions into real-world heat, sea-level and coral-loss impacts. Culture and language: Tuvalu Language Week in Aotearoa is helping children keep te ‘gana Tuvalu alive through songs and community events.

Pre-COP31 Climate Talks in Fiji: World powers are heading to Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, bigger climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts; delegates will also visit low-lying Tuvalu and see land reclamation plans as sea levels rise faster than expected. Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Tuvalu is expanding transport and digital links, including subsidised Funafuti–Fiji airfares (capped at $600 return) plus improved maritime services, to make travel and essential services more affordable. Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation in Numbers: PM Feleti Teo says Tuvalu has reclaimed 15.3 hectares of flood-free land on Funafuti, with another 10 hectares in progress, while using digital tools to protect sovereignty and heritage. Pandemic Preparedness for the Region: WHO and partners unveiled a $35.99m Pandemic Fund multi-country project for 12 Western Pacific countries to strengthen disease surveillance, lab capacity, and emergency response. Marine Tech for Ocean Cleanup: COP31’s presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform in Trabzon to connect proven anti-litter projects with knowledge, monitoring, and finance. Whale Sanctuary Vote Fails: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid again missed the required threshold at the IWC, with Tuvalu among the countries voting against. Tuvalu Language Week: In New Zealand, Vaiaso o te ‘Gana Tuvalu is helping children keep te ‘Gana Tuvalu alive through songs and community activities. Health & Climate Justice Lens: New research highlights that women’s exclusion from water and climate decisions drives wider gendered impacts across the Pacific.

Marine & Oceans Action: COP31’s presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform in Trabzon, aiming to connect proven anti-litter projects with knowledge sharing, a digital monitoring dashboard, and faster links to finance and technical support. Whale Protection Setback: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Tuvalu among countries voting against. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Fiji for Pre-COP talks (Oct 5–8) and a Tuvalu visit, as leaders push to keep 1.5°C alive, close climate finance gaps, and spotlight ocean impacts. Tuvalu Connectivity Boost: Tuvalu announced subsidised Funafuti–Fiji airfares (capped $600 return) plus improved maritime services and cheaper internet access. Health & Labs: WHO and partners unveiled a $35.99m Pandemic Fund multi-country project for Western Pacific disease surveillance and lab capacity. Sea-Level Rights: UN members adopted a declaration on sea-level rise, stressing statehood and maritime zones can remain protected even as land becomes uninhabitable. Climate Tech for Coral: Australia’s Carbon Impacts Tracer tool translates fossil-fuel emissions into impacts like heat, sea rise, poverty and coral loss.

Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu: World powers and Pacific leaders are meeting in Nadi from Oct 5–8 to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ retreat and showing land reclamation efforts as sea levels rise. Tuvalu connectivity push: PM Feleti Teo says subsidised Funafuti–Fiji flights (capped at $600 return) and improved maritime services plus cheaper internet are meant to make travel and services more affordable. Sea-level rise law and sovereignty: At the UN, Pacific states backed a declaration affirming that rising seas shouldn’t erase statehood or maritime rights—an issue Tuvalu and others are treating as urgent, not theoretical. Adaptation on the ground: Tuvalu reports 15.3 hectares reclaimed on Funafuti, with more underway, while digital tools are being used to preserve institutions and heritage. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres to turn climate promises into implementation, including the push to reach the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target. Science voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research trip from Fiji toward Antarctica to track how the ocean is driving and responding to climate change. Culture and storytelling: A Tuvalu slavery-history documentary, “The Stolen Laevans of Tuvalu,” is heading to international film festivals, linking past displacement to today’s climate threats. Women’s voice in water decisions: New research highlights that women are often excluded from the meetings where water choices are made, worsening climate and water insecurity. Just transition planning: Tuvalu and Ireland outlined a 2027 conference vision to move from fossil-fuel “pathways” to practical delivery.

Pre-COP Climate Push (Fiji & Tuvalu): Pacific leaders are meeting ahead of COP31 in Turkey, aiming to keep 1.5°C within reach and turn Pacific priorities into negotiation outcomes. Sea-Level “Statehood” Protection: At the UN, countries adopted a declaration backing continued statehood and maritime rights even if rising seas make land uninhabitable—an issue Tuvalu and Fiji have pushed hard. Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Tech: Tuvalu says it has reclaimed 15.3 hectares on Funafuti (with more underway) and is using digital tools to safeguard sovereignty, culture, and heritage. New Research Voyage: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research trip from Fiji toward Antarctica, with Pacific early-career scientists joining to track how the ocean is driving climate impacts. Fossil-Fuel Impacts Tool: Australian researchers launched the Carbon Impacts Tracer, translating emissions from major projects into heat, sea-level and coral-loss risks. Gender & Water Decisions: Pacific activists say women’s exclusion from decision-making is the root cause behind climate and water insecurity, calling for stronger voice before COP31. Tuvalu Film Heads to Festivals: A documentary on Nukulaelae’s 1863 blackbirding raid is moving to international screens, linking historical displacement to today’s climate threats. Voyaging Postponed: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia visits to Fiji and Tuvalu were delayed by unsafe weather, with community engagements rescheduled potentially to May 2027.