A New Zealand Professor of Sustainable Energy says the latest climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates future global warming will be closer to four degrees than the two degree target.
Damage caused by Cyclone Ian to the Ha'apai island of Lifuka last month. Photo: Tonga Daily News
Massey University's Ralph Sims says although the Pacific Island countries have a strong voice on the international climate stage, not enough is being done by all governments to reduce carbon emissions.
He says the synthesis report summarises the three areas of physical science data, adaptation and mitigation and concludes the climate problem is even bigger than previously thought with a four degree centigrade increase likely.
"And that of course for Pacific Islands means more sea level rise, more extreme weather events, and more disruption to transport, whether its boats or planes, from these extreme weather events. So there is great concern that we're not going to be able to slow it down in time."
Ralph Sims says everyone can take action to reduce their carbon footprint by taking small steps not to waste energy.