Pre-COP31

Amnesty International has issued a statement ahead of the COP31 climate summit, calling on world leaders to show up for Pacific Island nations through concrete action rather than speeches. The organisation argues Pacific communities face existential climate threats and need binding commitments on emissions and support, not symbolic declarations. The statement adds pressure on governments preparing their negotiating positions ahead of the conference.

Ministers and world leaders from more than 50 countries are meeting in Nadi, Fiji, for the Pacific Pre-COP31 climate talks. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened the gathering by saying the science has spoken and that doing nothing on climate change is no longer a neutral position. The Pacific meeting is expected to build momentum ahead of the COP31 negotiations.

The World Health Organization has joined Pre-COP31, the preparatory talks ahead of the COP31 climate summit, to press for climate policies that deliver concrete benefits for public health. The organisation is arguing that cutting emissions and adapting to warming should be framed not only as environmental goals but as measures that protect lives and health systems.

Pacific Island leaders are pressing Australia to curb its fossil fuel expansion ahead of pre-COP31 talks in Fiji. With Australia expected to co-host COP31, leaders from climate-vulnerable island nations argue new coal and gas projects undermine regional climate goals and their countries' survival, raising pressure ahead of negotiations.

Ahead of the COP31 climate summit, Amnesty International Australia is calling on the Australian government to halt fossil fuel expansion and better protect environmental defenders. The group argues that showing genuine climate leadership in the Asia-Pacific requires more than diplomatic hosting — it demands cutting new coal and gas projects and safeguarding activists who face threats for their work.