"Pacific Islands Demand Climate Action As China, US Woo Region"

"Small island nations call for more action on climate change while pledging unity amid growing geopolitical competition."

"Pacific island nations, courted by China and the United States, put the superpowers on notice, telling the world’s two biggest carbon emitters to take more action on climate change while pledging unity in the face of a growing geopolitical contest.

Leaders at a four-day summit of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), meeting in Fiji’s capital Suva, bristled at a Chinese attempt to split some of the nations off into a trade and security agreement, while Washington pledged more financial and diplomatic engagement.

The exclusive economic zones of the 17 forum members span 30 million sq km (11.6 million sq miles) of ocean – providing half the world’s tuna, the most-eaten fish. The nations are also feeling some of the severest effects of climate change as rising seas inundate lower-lying areas."

Aljazeera had the story July 18, 2022.

SEE ALSO:

"Pacific Island Nations Are Bringing Their Climate Justice Fight to the World's Highest Court" (TIME)