ENVIRONMENT

Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric of “drill, baby, drill” and his potential withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords signify a retreat from global climate leadership that could undermine the United States’ credibility as a trusted partner in the Pacific. Trump’s victory in last November U.S. election was accompanied by a clear climate agenda: abandoning the Paris […]

As Azerbaijan steps into the climate diplomacy spotlight to host COP29, it’s easy to wonder if this summit will bring real progress for the Pacific or just more empty pledges. For island nations like Tonga, the stakes are critical: we face rising seas, intensifying storms, and, ultimately, an existential threat to our homelands. But with

Tonga is a place where nature reigns supreme, and Vava’u stands out as a breathtaking gem. Each year, this island becomes a haven for humpback whales migrating to its warm, tranquil waters to give birth and nurture their young. The migration has spawned a thriving whale-watching industry, drawing tourists eager to witness these majestic creatures

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, the Pacific Islands stand on the frontline, their very existence threatened by rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and increasingly severe weather patterns. At the recent 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the United Nations Secretary-General delivered a speech that, while rich in rhetoric, fell short of addressing

The global race to exploit deep-sea minerals has reached a critical juncture. As nations gather in Kingston, Jamaica, for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) annual assembly, a powerful coalition of 32 countries has risen to demand a moratorium on deep-sea mining. This movement challenges not only the obscure UN body tasked with regulating these activities

Tonga has ushered in a new era of maritime exploration and conservation with the triumphant arrival of the Hinemoana II vaka moana in Tongatapu. After a demanding 10-day voyage through challenging sea conditions, this meticulously restored vessel safely completed its journey.The over 1,200 nautical mile voyage, including the perilous passage through the Kermadec Islands, tested

Dubai Expo City, December 1, 2023 In an impactful speech at the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga not only captivated his audience but also underscored the urgent need for global

In a striking development ahead of this year’s UN climate summit, Cop28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has stirred controversy by questioning the scientific consensus on the role of fossil fuels in global warming. His remarks, made during a video meeting with former Irish President Mary Robinson and later released by The Guardian and the

Preparations in Full Swing for Global Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates Tonga’s delegation convened at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre for a crucial meeting in anticipation of the upcoming COP28, the Conference of the Parties organized by the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy,

In a congratulatory gesture, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga, extended warm wishes to Dr. Sivendra Michael on his recent appointment as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Dr. Michael, previously deployed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor, played a pivotal role in