PIF leaders did well on climate

OFTEN, small nations are expected to toe the line when the interests of bigger nations are at stake.
They are compelled, and even coerced, into doing something or other using aid and trade in carrot-and-stick fashion to get small nations to support a cause, regardless of whether it is in the interest of the small nations or not.
Small nations, on the other hand, face a real tough time trying to get a fair hearing for matters that concern them most.
Such has been the case with the climate change debate ever since it has been put on the global agenda.
Ever since the Rio summit, industrialised nations of the world, except the Nordic and Scandinavian countries, have been dragging their feet.
The biggest disappointment was the refusal by the US and other developed nations, including Australia, to sign the Kyoto protocol. Some eventually did sign but after much haggling and time wasting.
The recent failed climate summit in Copenhagen last December is another example of rebellion by the developed nations over a matter that not only affects the smaller nations of the world but every living thing on the planet.
But, give them issues like forest cover degradation or logging, and the developed nations are all over small countries, some of whose very livelihood is dependent on the forestry sector.
They will ban imports of wood furniture from the small nations but they, themselves, have no compunction about chopping down half-grown forest plantations of their own.
They will fund a hundred and one non-governmental organisations to engage in various “green” campaigns in developing nations but themselves will use bludgeon, high pressure water hoses, shield, batons and tear gas to chase down protesters of world trade organisation talks.
In this context, we aid our voice in support of the united and staunch stand on climate change by the Pacific Island leaders last week at their retreat in Vanuatu.
Climate change, without a question, remains the greatest threat to the livelihood, security and well-being of, not just the people of the Pacific, although some effects will be felt heaviest in the region, but the entire world.
The Pacific Island Forum leaders signed a joint communiqué stating that the degree of urgency for real commitment to emissions reduction must be commensurate with the science and associated impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable communities. 
“It cannot be viewed in the short term impacts to traditional industrial growth or political tenure, but in the longer term sustainability of economies, societies and peoples the world over,” the communiqué stated.
“A meaningful legally binding agreement on emissions reduction must be reached urgently and without delay.”
This is responsible talk and we urge the leaders of the first world to take note.
The Pacific leaders agreed that negotiations must be maintained at the highest level in the lead up to COP 16 in Cancun and should be approached in a manner that facilitates an understanding of the positions of various countries and not lamenting these differences. 
The communiqué stated that national efforts were focusing on the mainstreaming of climate change into national plans and systems as well as developing appropriate adaption strategies. 
This should not just stop there. Efforts should be made to link nations’ plans and systems to the millennium development goals (MDG) which mentions the environment at MDG no.7 and the development world’s responsibility towards developing nations at MDG No.8.
It stated that at the regional level, a mid-term review of the Pacific Islands framework for action on climate change (2005) and its accompanying action plan is underway to ensure national and regional climate change initiatives remain relevant and coherent.
In anticipation of significantly increased flows of resources to come to the region as a result of the commitments made at COP 15, emphasis has been placed on the need for strengthened country-led systems for the coordination of these resources with, where appropriate, support from their regional organisations and development partners.
We commend the PIF leaders for their stand.