The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has issued a stark warnig that the world’s largest emitters must act urgently to secure the promises of Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
It comes as 2024 set a record for the hottest year in history and islands facing unprecedented climate change impacts.
The 39-member Alliance is preparing for a pivotal United Nations climate change conference in a year which marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement as well as the deadline for all countries to submit their next round of enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In a statement on Friday morning, AOSIS said, "As the world begins to reflect on the progress of the landmark agreement, it is clear that while important progress is being made, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and NDCs remain lacking. Action is insufficient and 1.5°C-aligned pathways are rapidly narrowing."
At the 62nd Meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB52) in Bonn, Germany from June 16th, climate negotiators representing the Pacific, Caribbean, African, Indian and South China Seas islands will strive to secure robust outcomes that can keep the Paris Agreement’s central goal alive.
“Our islands are under severe strain as we cope with the devastating costs to our people, our economies, our cultures, our lands, and seas due to rising temperatures and more brutal storms,” AOSIS Chair, Her Excellency Ambassador Ilana Seid said.
“Sea level rise is evident, and our warming waters are becoming increasingly uninhabitable leading to biodiversity loss. Islands are the custodians of our world’s oceans and precious maritime resources, yet we are being left behind. At SB62, we are urging countries to display real courage so we can turn the tide and deliver on the faith our citizens placed in us when we all came together to commit to the Paris Agreement.”
