Climate change presents the single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and well-being of the Pacific.

This was highlighted by Minister for Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu at the 44th Session of ACP – EU Council of Ministers Meeting.

Fiji has called on the EU and the global community to support efforts to facilitate access to finance that can allow smaller states to implement national adaptation and climate mitigation priorities that can effectively respond to the impacts of climate change.

Seruiratu says studies show the adaptation cost for coastal protection in Pacific Island Countries is estimated to be 234 million U.S dollars per year by 2020 and 285 million per year by 2040.

He adds that this cost will only increase with the projected impacts of climate change and disasters.

To respond to this challenge, Seruiratu says that collective work and commitments are critical to build resilience capabilities in affected countries.

The Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, and the Pacific NDC Hub are regional efforts aimed at addressing climate change issues in the region.

The meeting brings together Ministers from the European Union, the African Caribbean and Pacific to look at strengthening relations in areas of trade and investment, development cooperation, climate and environment, migration, peace and security and sustainable development.