Pacific Island Nations at the Forefront of Climate Security

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Seminar 7 held on April 6, 2025, focused on the increasingly urgent intersection between climate change and security in the Pacific. As part of the PG420 unit on international and regional security, the session explored how Pacific Island countries are among the most vulnerable to climate threats yet continue to lead global climate diplomacy. The seminar examined strategies for regional influence, reviewed the broader impacts of the Boe Declaration, and introduced innovative frameworks like complex adaptive systems for managing climate risks. The full seminar recording is available on my YouTube channel.

screenshot of the video

A key theme discussed was how Pacific Island nations can leverage their identity as large ocean states to influence international climate negotiations. The presentations emphasized the importance of regional unity, the strategic use of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, and leadership in sustainable development and ocean conservation. Challenges such as limited infrastructure, geographic fragmentation, and financial constraints were acknowledged, reinforcing the need for a cohesive regional strategy built on shared values and priorities.

The seminar encountered a temporary disruption due to a power outage, prompting a change in the order of presentations. The quick adaptation to this situation mirrored the kind of resilience needed to address climate-related disruptions that are becoming increasingly common across the Pacific. Despite the technical challenges, the discussions continued with critical insights into regional solidarity and global advocacy.

One of the core topics addressed was the importance of regional unity in advocating for ambitious climate action. Presenters highlighted the Pacific's collective influence in global forums, particularly in securing commitments for climate finance and support for adaptation. The role of regional security declarations in framing climate change as a shared security concern was explored, showing how these instruments have encouraged the alignment of national policies with broader regional objectives.

Further discussion centered on the Pacific's leadership in global climate diplomacy. Presenters noted the role played by regional alliances and advocacy groups in highlighting loss and damage, pushing for greater accountability, and amplifying the voices of small island developing states. The challenges faced in securing adequate compensation and navigating complex international frameworks were also discussed, along with the innovative use of culturally rooted methods, such as storytelling, to advance diplomacy.

Another segment focused on the application of the complex adaptive systems (CAS) approach to climate resilience. This framework was presented as an effective strategy for dealing with the interconnected and evolving nature of climate threats. Emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility, feedback mechanisms, and cross-sectoral collaboration in both national and regional planning. The CAS approach was seen as a path toward more holistic and sustainable policy outcomes.

The seminar concluded with an exploration of how climate resilience can be integrated into broader security frameworks. The concept of non-traditional security was examined, positioning climate change as a critical threat that intersects with social, economic, and political systems. Strategies were proposed for enhancing disaster preparedness, improving early warning systems, and embedding climate resilience in national and regional security policies.

Participants were encouraged to continue the conversation in the online forum, review key literature on climate change diplomacy and security, and prepare for the next seminar. As the Pacific continues to confront the existential threat of climate change, these discussions offer important insights into how education, policy, and diplomacy can align to safeguard the region's future. 

Watch the full seminar here: Seminar 7 – Climate Change as an Existential Security Issue.

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