World leading experts demand climate action ahead of COP30

Climate adaptation is not a ‘nice to have’ or an actionless talking point, it’s urgent and governments need to act now. That’s the first powerful message to come from international climate scientists presenting at today’s Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The United Nations’ (UN) largest climate adaptation event is being held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre with almost 2000 scholars, scientists, and indigenous leaders participating both in-person and online.

The first keynote speaker Cynthia Houniuhi, President of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), said within the spectrum of the climate toolkit, adaptation is key. Cynthia has made international headlines for her work spearheading the successful call for governments to be recognised as criminally liable for inaction on climate.

“The International Court of Justice affirmed what we have always known from our lived realities to be true … that climate change is an existential threat,” she said. “Climate action is not merely a policy preference but a legal obligation. The ruling is a legal shield for vulnerable communities. It is a tool for holding power to account but it will mean nothing if it is not acted upon. While we celebrate this advisory opinion with renewed strength, optimism, and hope, we must continue the same energy, momentum and drive into the implementation of the ruling.”

“We need to adapt now to prevent future loss and how successful we are in our adaptation will decide how much we can protect and keep. May our story remind you that these are not abstract issues for us. They are real people with deep love for their communities behind such initiatives and we are capable of finding solutions for the challenges we face today.”

The Tuvalu Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change, and Environment, Hon. Dr Maina Talia discussed how his nation faced some of the most severe existential climate threats globally. 

“Climate change disproportionately affects small, developing states,” he said. “Tuvalu, like other SIDS countries, in particular the coral atoll islands, are among the least responsible for climate change, yet they stand to suffer the most in terms of the negative impacts related to sea level rise.”

“The fight for 1.5°C cannot be won with carbon dioxide reduction alone. Vital as it is, we must tackle methane and other short-lived gases that prevent near term warming to buy time for deeper decarbonization to take root. Only then can we protect the world from irreversible tipping points like the rapid extending coral bleaching that is devastating our oceans.”

“Adaptation must go hand in hand with mitigation….For us in Tuvalu, industrialised decarbonization is simply a survival strategy and survival must come before profit. I challenge you to choose life over short-term gain. This conference should act as an influencer to break down the usual way of doing adaptation, particularly financing. It is about survival, and time is not on our side.”

Chizuru Aoki (AF2025 Patron, Chair of the World Adaptation Science Programme), Professor Cheryl de la Rey (Vice-Chancellor Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)), Lisa Tumahi  (AF2025 Patron, Ngāi Tahu leader and Deputy Chair He Pou a Rangi: NZ Climate Commission), Sefanaia Nawadra (AF2025 Patron, Director General, SPREP) and New Zealand Minister for the Environment Hon. Penny Simmons also spoke at the opening of AF2025, which is co-hosted by the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP) and UC.

Co-convenor Professor Bronwyn Hayward, of the University of Canterbury, said the morning’s AF2025 launch set the tone for the event. “The message coming through loud and clear from all international scientists present is that climate adaptation is urgent and an international justice issue,” she said. “It is not charity or a nice to have. Key priorities identified at AF2025 will be taken to the 30th annual United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, COP30, which will be held in Brazil next month.”

Members of the public are invited to attend events being held across Ōtautahi Christchurch throughout the week as part of the Art of Climate Conversation, sponsored by Beca. These include artists and scientists in conversation, exhibition tours, workshops, and a multimedia performance, Ka Tiri o te Moana, choreographed by Louise Pōtiki Bryant, by Atamira Dance Company on Thursday.

AF2025 is supported by a sponsorship consortium of national and international partners, and foundation sponsor Adaptation Fund.