Photo: LEONARDO MUNOZ
The president of Nauru has told world leaders small island developing states still face unacceptable barriers to climate finance.
Speaking at the United Nations General Debate in New York, David Adeang said climate change is more than an environmental crisis - it is a direct threat to the peace, security and survival of the Pacific region.
"Despite countless pledges, those least responsible continue to struggle most to access the resources urgently needed for adaptation and mitigation," he said.
"Simply put, the time for debate has passed. Concrete climate action cannot be postponed any longer.
"History will not judge us by our words, but by the future we build; by whether we choose unity over division, peace over conflict, and shared humanity over selfishness."
Adeang said not mining seabed minerals is delaying the world's transition to renewable energy.
"Seabed minerals represent more than economic diversification. They are a pathway to resilience and a chance to contribute to global solutions," he said.
"The polymetallic nodules found in our sponsored areas are vital for renewable energy that support the green transition."
He said Nauru urges the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to "work with renewed purpose to fulfil its mandate without delay".
Pacific leaders have just launched their Pacific Resilience Facility - the first Pacific-led, owned, and managed regional climate fund for Pacific communities.
Marshall Islands president, Hilda Heine, said it is not too late for world powers to band together to combat climate change.
She said the future of Pacific people relies on action.
"The future of our youngest generations depends on whether global powers are working together. If I could find a louder alarm for the Pacific Islands than my words today, I would sound it.
"There is still time for action, but only urgent action at scale can reduce vulnerability across all key sectors."
The Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told leaders their sinking islands must adapt, but through global adaptation and resilience efforts, they can survive.
"Kiribati faces climate challenges, but it remains resilient," he said.
"We urge global actions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius... giving its firm hope and assurance that Kiribati and other vulnerable countries will continue to exist in light of climate change."
Meanwhile, New Zealand's foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said the world needs to face the "elephant in the room" on global emissions.
Winston Peters was up early for the United Nations leaders' breakfast, co-chaired by Tuvalu, to discuss the existential threats posed by rising sea levels.
Addressing the room, Peters said, "We have to be honest and realistic here.
"Four countries comprise 60 percent of the world's emissions, and the rest of the 191 countries... are wrestling with this problem. We have to face the fact, deal with it - we're in a battle we can't possibly win."
