NZ Government Increases Funding for Pacific Nations Tackling Climate Change

The New Zealand government will provide at least 50 percent of its $1.3 billion climate aid contribution for Pacific nations as it adapts to the impacts of climate change. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced the increase in the lead-up to the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow to be held next month.

The increase matches New Zealand’s contribution to global climate funding with COP26 host United Kingdom on a per person basis. Prime Minister Ardern says, “I have seen and heard first-hand the impact of climate change in our region. We need to continue to step up our support for our Pacific family and neighbours who are on the front line of climate change and need our support most.”

Mr. Shaw says developing countries are most at risk from the climate crisis. “We can see that in the Pacific, where some of our closest neighbours are already experiencing rising sea levels and more extreme weather. This is having an impact on people’s livelihoods and ability to provide for their families.”

He adds, “For these countries, the impacts of climate change that scientists have been warning us about for decades are not academic, or a distance threat; they are happening right now.

Pacific nations continue to call for countries to commit to a 1.5 degree Celsius limit to global warming by 2100 as part of the Paris Negotiations in 2015.

Image credit: Lukas Harttman (pexels)