Interview with Mozaharul Alam
UNEP Coordinator for Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific
What is the climate situation globally and what are the implications for the Pacific?
We are currently headed for a based on countries’ climate pledges. To meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting heating to 2C, preferably 1.5C, the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over a quarter by 2030. Temperature records were smashed during 2023, with those least responsibly for the climate crisis bearing the brunt of extreme heat and other climate hazards.
The continued rise in global temperatures is especially perilous for countries in the Pacific. Climate change and extreme weather drive displacement, with . With higher temperatures come glacial and ice sheet melt, which contribute to sea level rise. . The impacts of tropical cyclones have become more severe due to sea level rise and the increase in heavy precipitation. Climate change also undermines food security and nutrition due to the stress it places on food systems.
The economic impact of climate change for communities the Pacific is especially concerning. In addition to the ecosystem damage resulting from extreme events, these events can reduce economic growth in the short term. The increased risk of climate-related disasters and damage to ecosystems is also a threat to the tourism industry in the Pacific and the benefits it brings. And warming ocean temperatures affect the migration of tuna, a fish that is .
What are the challenges that climate adaptation action faces in the Pacific?
As we have seen from the , there is a staggering shortfall in financing needed to support action needed to protect communities, livelihoods and ecosystems in the Pacific and around the world. Technology transfer is another challenge. Developing and deploying climate-resilient technologies, such as early warning systems and sustainable infrastructure, requires not only finance but also research and innovation. Capacity building is another adaptation challenge to overcome in the Pacific. Addressing adaptation needs involves sharing information with and building the capacity of vulnerable communities. Doing so means providing these communities with easy access to early warning messages of climate hazards and working with communities to identify the action they can take to improve their resilience. It also means building in-country capacity to design and action adaptation projects. Protecting and managing the coast, including human settlements and infrastructure from tropical cyclones, storm surges, and flooding are adaptation priorities in the Pacific.
What role does Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge play in climate adaptation?
has shown the value of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in building resilience to climate change and in finding adaptation solutions. Inter-generational knowledge gained through a deep understanding of local ecological conditions can significantly benefit adaptation action in the Pacific and other regions. In Fiji, Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge were incorporated in an ecosystem-based adaptation assessment . This highlights the importance of involving local communities throughout the adaptation process, from early planning stages through implementation.
What is the international community doing to increase adaptation action, and what will that mean for the Pacific?
Member States had established a in 2015 as part of the Paris Agreement. At COP28 in Dubai last year, Member States agreed on the framework for the goal, which calls for guiding and strengthening adaptation efforts towards reducing vulnerability and enhancing capacity to adapt to climate change. Parties to the UNFCCC will now work towards achieving the targets agreed at COP28. These targets deal with a range of issues at the heart of adaptation, including strengthening the climate resilience of food systems and health services. For communities and economies in the Pacific, stronger action now at the global level on mitigation and adaptation is critical, as it can reduce the pain from future climate-related events. Financing and actioning adaptation in the Pacific in the near term is paramount to protect people and nature and makes economic sense. Every USD 1 billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding .
At COP28, to help compensate vulnerable countries from losses and damages caused by climate change. Nations have since pledged to the fund, which the World Bank will host. This is an important step forward in addressing the suffering unleashed by the climate crisis.
How much of a challenge do climate change misinformation and disinformation present and how can these be addressed?
The UN has referred to tackling misinformation, which refers to the accidental spread of inaccurate information, and disinformation, which is not only inaccurate but intends to deceive, as an “.” With communication reaching digital users nearly instantaneously, inaccurate or misleading content can spread quickly and have damaging effects. As the climate crisis and the hazards it unleashes continue to generate headlines, misinformation and disinformation on the issue are prevalent and critical to address. Most social media platforms have policies on misinformation and ways for users to flag this type of content. So, if you see a post containing misinformation and there is an option to report it to the platform, take a minute to do so. Public discourse will also benefit.
In 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres released a report on countering disinformation. The report shares a number of recommendations, including increasing transparency around users who are posting information, building media and information literacy, and supporting public information efforts such as the UN’s , which encourages posting fact-based and scientific information on digital channels.
As someone who has dedicated their career to climate issues, what gives you hope for the future of climate action?
We have seen a swell in youth engagement on climate action around the world in recent years. This shows that young people are increasingly aware of the state of the climate, as well as the impacts and future threats from climate change. I would encourage youth and all members of society to see how their everyday choices can accelerate the push for a more sustainable world through the UN’s ActNow campaign. As part of ActNow, UNEP has created a digital space called “,” which provides guidance on how to take part in climate advocacy. It will take a society-wide effort to achieve climate stability, and we need everyone, everywhere to contribute.
This interview conincides with the at which Ministers of environment and other leaders from more than 180 nations convene this week in Nairobi.
Photo Credit: UNDP Vanuatu