Joseph Zane Sikulu, a member of the Pacific Climate Warriors and Pacific Director for the climate campaign group 350.org, has issued a powerful call for climate action as the COP29 UN climate summit approaches in Baku, Azerbaijan.
His appeal to Mukhtar Babayev, the president-designate of COP29, emphasizes the urgent need for real leadership, meaningful commitments to halt fossil fuel expansion, and a global transition to renewable energy.
Joseph’s message strikes a chord with many of us in the Pacific who face the realities of climate change every day. The escalating crisis, driven by continued fossil fuel reliance, threatens our homes, communities, and future. His call for immediate action is not only valid—it’s vital for our survival.
However, while the need for global action is undeniable, there’s a significant gap between high-level advocacy and what’s actually happening at the grassroots level in our communities. As impassioned as the calls for climate justice are, there’s a disconnect when these discussions fail to translate into practical, actionable solutions that resonate locally.
For example, during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Nuku’alofa, I attended a press conference held by the Pacific Climate Warriors. While the issues they raised were important, the conversation felt somewhat detached from the immediate concerns of our local communities.
A case in point is the excessive use of plastic bags in Tonga—a pressing environmental issue with direct consequences for our land and oceans. This is a tangible problem that will have severe repercussions for future generations if not addressed. Yet, despite its relevance, this issue was overlooked during the discussions.
Furthermore, while Joseph Sikulu highlighted the impact of torrential rains and the earthquake during the PIF, there was no mention of the UN Secretary-General’s speech, which occurred during these same events, or the proposed law change in New Zealand to begin drilling for oil near Tonga.
This oversight is concerning, especially given that Joseph called on the COP29 President-Designate to address precisely these kinds of issues. If we are to hold others accountable on the global stage, we must first ensure that we are addressing all relevant regional challenges with the same rigor.
There is a Tongan proverb, “Tala pea ngali,” meaning “Walk the talk.” While it is essential to advocate for ambitious climate policies internationally, it is equally important to demonstrate this commitment at home.
Our communities need to see practical solutions that directly address climate change in their everyday lives—solutions like banning plastic bags, which would immediately reduce environmental harm and set a meaningful example for broader conservation efforts.
The challenge for climate advocates, particularly those representing the Pacific, is to bridge the gap between global advocacy and local action. It’s not enough to push for change on the international stage; we must also lead by example in our own communities. By implementing small, impactful changes at the grassroots level and ensuring that regional issues are fully addressed, we can inspire others and show that climate action is both a necessary and achievable goal.
Joseph Sikulu’s call to action is a crucial reminder of what’s at stake, but to truly honour that message, we must ensure that our advocacy is grounded in tangible, grassroots efforts and that we are comprehensive in addressing all relevant issues. Only then can we build a resilient future for the Pacific—one that our children and their children can inherit with pride and hope.
