We have seen that the global community is not on the same page when it comes to climate change. Some countries are more ambitious than others when it comes to climate action. Now, in 2025, we have an authoritative direction from the International Court of Justice. All states—but particularly large emitters—must heed the court’s direction when it comes to Nationally Determined Contributions. This is in the best interest of everyone, not just communities like mine that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.Â
What’s one sustainability effort you personally will try to adopt in the next year?
I have moved countries recently and I have been using more public transport, walking, and riding a bike.
What is a climate solution that isn’t getting the attention or funding it deserves?
Adaptation is one area that is still not getting the attention and the funding it deserves. Frontline communities like ours in the Pacific need support. While we work on mitigation, countries need to survive and adapt. However, the support they are getting so far is not what they deserve.
What gives you hope about the future of the planet?
Young people give me hope. You go into UNFCCC COP processes and you can see consensus is not easy to achieve. You go into rooms where young people are and you see that they are able to unite under one campaign goal: to get an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. This highlights that a united world is possible.
If you could stand up and talk to world leaders at the next COP, what would you say?
What more do we need to say for you to understand the gravity and urgency of the climate crisis, and meet our ambition? There were leaders before me, young people from frontline communities, that have time and time again spoken in these spaces about the urgency of the crisis and why climate action is in the best interest of everyone. What will you do in your different capacities and roles to push for more ambitious climate action that aligns with the baseline provided by the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change? What would you do differently if you knew that the climate crisis will affect not just our communities, homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, but yours as well? We are only just passing through this world, and when we leave, I hope we all leave without fear and uncertainty about whether we left the world in a better place for future generations. We are all in this together. Climate change is everyone’s business, and business as usual is no longer tenable.
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