The Pacific Island States are especially exposed to the climate crisis. Elevating world temperatures raises sea levels. It's, not only a consequence of melting ice in polar regions, but also due to the thermal expansion of ocean water. Low-laying islands are also particularly vulnerable to violent storms. Global heating intensifies these. The Pacific Island States, however, have tiny carbon footprints. It's the large, rich industrialised countries who are responsible for most of climate change. Island nations are predictably concerned that major industrialised nations are 'dragging their feet', when it comes to cutting their 'greenhouse gas' emissions. It now seems highly unlikely that limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels, is still achievable. As part of the Paris Accord, all countries undertook to develop national plans to achieve that limit (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/26/pacific-island-states-urge-rich-countries-to-expedite-plans-to-cut-emissions). The lack of urgent progress on 'greenhouse gas' emissions is most disturbing. If anything, progress is slowing. Polluters will not be, of course, the major victims.
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