Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change Leaders

Fiji

Date: 07/10/2016

For immediate release

EU attends Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change Leaders Summit

The European Union Ambassador to Fiji, Tuvalu, and the Pacific, HE Andrew Jacobs is attending the EU supported Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC) Leaders Summit with Head of States and Government in Funafuti, Tuvalu this week.

''Pacific countries and other small island developing states are on the front line in the battle against climate change and the European Union stands shoulder to shoulder in international negotiations with its Pacific partners in this fight. The atoll nations are the most vulnerable. The EU has provided substantial climate funding and strives to match its words with action. The EU has provided substantial climate financial support (EUR 20 billion since 2012 out of which approximately EUR 300 million went to the Pacific) and we are committed to make 20% of entire EU policies and instruments climate-relevant for the period 2014-2020, which applies to development cooperation. Therefore, the actual figure in the Pacific region could eventually go even beyond 50% of the total EU Support,'' said Ambassador Jacobs.

''The historical Paris Agreement owes much to the efforts of and good cooperation between the EU and the Pacific Island States. Together they were at the heart of the High Ambition Coalition which ensured that the Paris Agreement is robust and ambitious. With ratifications this week by the EU and Member States the Agreement enters into force on 4 November. We now look forward to COP22 in Marrakesh, which will herald the implementation of what was agreed in Paris,'' added Ambassador Jacobs.

Background

The Coalition of Low Lying Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), describe themselves as being on 'the frontline of climate change and the early warning system' for the global community. Participating countries includes the nations of Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Tokelau and Tuvalu.

(ENDS)

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