WESLEY W. SIMINA, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, reporting that his country is currently in a state of emergency due to extended drought, underscored:  “For us, every degree, every inch of sea-level rise and every delay matters.” The 1.5°C goal is “the safety limit” for small islands, he added, as beyond that lies a “danger zone” of “deadly heat that will cost lives, impact our food and water systems and drown many of our low-lying islands”.  The world must cut emissions.  However, as carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, the benefits of those cuts will not be felt until later this century.  “We need to control temperatures now,” he stressed, calling on large emitters to prioritize reducing other pollutants such as methane, fluorinated gases and black carbon.  And, as the world acts towards this end, all countries must also agree on a plan to transition away from fossil fuels in a fair, just and equitable manner.  “In this connection, I am announcing that Micronesia endorses the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative,” he stated.

He went on to emphasize that, while sea-level rise threatens the livelihood, well-being and security of communities and ecosystems in small island nations, “this climate crisis does not jeopardize our Statehood or sovereignty, nor does it diminish our rights under international law”. Leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States have affirmed that their maritime zones, as recognized by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, will remain valid despite physical changes due to climate change. Further, he said that his country joins others in emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive knowledge, data and scientific understanding of the marine environment and the impacts of deep seabed mining before any exploitation occurs.  And, welcoming the adoption of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, he recalled that he was the first leader to sign that instrument and urged others to do so.

He also noted that the international community is set to adopt a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution in Busan, Republic of Korea, later in 2024.  This agreement, he stressed, “must address plastic pollution at its source” — plastic production, particularly primary plastic polymers derived from fossil fuels. Spotlighting his country’s “Bridge to Busan” declaration, launched earlier in 2024, he said this calls for international support to regulate plastic production in the treaty.  If the unsustainable production of primary plastic polymers is not addressed, “the global goal of ending plastic pollution by 2040 and limiting the average temperature rise to less than 1.5°C cannot be achieved”, he underscored.  Stating that his country is dedicated to reducing and preventing the causes and impacts of climate change and sea-level rise, he spotlighted its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

For its part, he said that the UN system — particularly the Security Council — must adapt to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis in a comprehensive, coordinated manner.  As that organ “struggles to effectively tackle major peace and security issues”, he emphasized that reform must make it more effective, inclusive, transparent and accountable:  “It must reflect the realities of today, rather than those of 1945.” Therefore, permanent membership must be expanded to include Japan, India, Germany, Brazil and representation from Africa, and the voices of underrepresented regions — such as small island developing States — must be amplified.  Further, such States must be supported by an increase in climate finance and investment, and he called on developed countries to fulfil their commitments in this regard.  “Let this Assembly be remembered not for words spoken, but for deeds done, for promises kept and for the lasting legacy we leave for generations to come,” he urged.