Advancing cooperation between the EU and Pacific countries ahead of new global climate deal

European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete has called for the EU and Pacific countries to continue and strengthen their close cooperation in the run up to the adoption of a new global climate deal in Paris this December.

During a visit to Papua New Guinea, where he addressed the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum, Commissioner Arias Cañete said: "The EU and the Pacific are strong allies in the fight against climate change. We need to ensure Paris delivers a new international climate agreement that will accelerate the low-carbon transition worldwide. This is an opportunity for countries on the frontline of climate change to show they can also be frontrunners in global climate action."

The EU is committed to ensuring the adoption of a legally binding, ambitious and fair international agreement applicable to all countries that is capable of keeping the global average temperature rise below 2°C and avoiding dangerous climate change.

As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the new agreement must also address adaptation to the impacts of climate change and the mobilisation of public and private finance for climate action. The issue of loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change should also be recognised in the Paris outcome.

The EU was the first major economy to put forward its intended contribution to the new agreement - a target of reducing EU domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The Commissioner has encouraged Pacific countries that have not yet come forward with their intended contribution to do so as soon as possible.

Climate change and action to fight it is an integral part of the EU's cooperation with its partners across the world, including in the Pacific region.

The EU and Pacific countries work together on a number of climate cooperation initiatives, focusing both on low-emission development and adaptation to climate change. The European Union Delegation for the Pacific manages ongoing support to the Pacific in excess of €250 million to promote regional integration, sustainable energy, adaptation and disaster risk management initiatives.

Read more:

• Speech by Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete at the 46th Pacific Islands Forum Plenary Session