As Taniwha reflects on the events of 2023, it’s undeniable that the climate crisis continues to escalate at an alarming rate. This year marked recordbreaking temperatures, exacerbating the already dire state of our environment. Droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events surged, while El Niño heated our oceans. A study revealed that over 70% of the world’s biodiverse regions are now threatened by rising temperatures. Will this wake-up call prompt global action? Mess with nature and nature fights back.
Yet, in the face of these mounting catastrophes, Aroha remains unwavering in its commitment to averting climate chaos. With 2023 designated as the Global Stocktake year under the Paris Agreement, the need for urgent action has never been more pressing. Hence, Aroha, in collaboration with partners across the globe, launched the Fair Share Now campaign – a bold initiative aimed at catalyzing momentum behind ambitious course corrections, particularly among the world’s largest polluters – Taniwha approved ✔︎. The campaign is based on the Traffic Light Assessment’s findings, which serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action: while the majority of countries are already striving to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5ºC goal, the same cannot be said for the nations responsible for 80% of climate pollution. The current national climate targets (or Nationally Determined Contributions known as “NDCs”) of the G7 and G20 countries, if left unchecked, could lead to a catastrophic 4ºC rise in global temperatures. But there lies a glimmer of hope, the resonance of the Fair Share Now campaign and Traffic Light report, reaching nearly 13 million people, underscores its crucial importance in the fight against climate change – Taniwha approved ✔︎
In parallel to calling out those countries not doing their part to save the planet, Aroha was steadfast in its support for climate-vulnerable countries, including Benin, Ghana, and Lebanon, in paving the way with the development of ambitious national climate strategies (including Climate Prosperity Plans and Paris Agreement long-term strategies).
These trailblazing plans, led by countries most affected by climate change, serve as great examples of how prosperity can be harmoniously coupled with respect for Mother Nature. Building upon the momentum generated by Sri Lanka’s launch of such a strategy in 2022, the nation took a further step in demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable future by submitting its Plan as its Long Term Strategy under the UNFCCC. Taniwha approved ✔︎
We must not forget that nations ravaged by climate catastrophes urgently require adaptation measures to survive the impacts inflicted by major polluters. So, I was glad to see Aroha collaborating with the Global Center on Adaptation on the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) Compacts for Benin, Ethiopia, Senegal and Tanzania. This joint effort signifies a crucial step towards equipping vulnerable nations with the tools and support needed to confront the challenges of climate change head-on.
Finally, 2023 marked a significant transition for Aroha as it bids farewell to the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). What began as a program evolved into an independent force in its own right, thanks to the ambitious efforts of its members. As the CVF spreads its wings to chart its own course, Taniwha extends its best wishes for continued success to the Forum and recognizes all the secretariat team members and partners who have helped the CVF and V20 to be successful these past years. Now, Taniwha eagerly anticipates Aroha’s new adventures on the horizon.
Taniwha approved ✔︎
There’s still much work to do,
Aroha’s Taniwha
