AGP Executive Report

Kiribati Climate Finance Push: Kiribati’s cabinet has approved a plan to “re-engineer” climate finance so frontline adaptation works can be done first, verified, then reimbursed within 90 days—aimed at fixing how slow funding misses urgent needs. Ocean Protection Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting protection and sustainable management across 625,000+ square miles and support for high-seas protection planning. COP31 Overshoot Pressure: Pacific negotiators are urging leaders to hold the 1.5°C line, citing the Limiting Overshoot Report’s warning that risks intensify as warming climbs—Kiribati’s Takena Redfern called for urgent action over “meaningless talk.” Weather Services Funding Gap: Pacific weather services face a funding shortfall as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to make forecasts and warnings more locally usable. Earhart Search in Kiribati: A Purdue-led expedition is heading to Nikumaroro, Kiribati, to investigate a lagoon anomaly believed linked to Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance. Gendered Water Decisions: New research highlights that women are often excluded from water and climate decision-making across Kiribati and other Pacific states, despite holding key household knowledge.

Climate Finance Reform (Kiribati): Kiribati has approved a plan to “re-engineer” climate finance for small island states, aiming to let governments carry out approved adaptation first, then get fast reimbursement from international funds within 90 days—targeting urgent works like seawalls, saltwater barriers, safe evacuation sites and solar water treatment. COP31 Overshoot Push (Kiribati & Pacific): Pacific negotiators are urging a hard line on 1.5°C as the Limiting Overshoot Report warns temperatures are likely to cross 1.5°C soon, with escalating risks for extreme weather, ecosystems, and low-lying islands. Ocean Protection Funding (Kiribati in focus): The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new ocean conservation grants across five Pacific nations, including Kiribati, to back habitat protection and help expand safeguards toward a 30% protection goal by 2030. Weather Services Funding Gap: Pacific weather services are facing a funding shortfall as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to strengthen locally run forecasting and warnings. Health Preparedness (Western Pacific): WHO and partners launched a $35.99M Pandemic Fund-backed, multi-country project for 12 Western Pacific countries to improve outbreak detection and response. El Niño Watch (Kiribati region): Commentary highlights El Niño risks for water security and drought, stressing how limited island resources make impacts hit harder. Amelia Earhart Search (Nikumaroro, Kiribati): A new expedition is set to investigate an anomaly in Nikumaroro’s lagoon, with researchers from Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute hoping to solve the 1937 mystery.

Ocean Conservation Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M+ in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect and sustainably manage 625,000+ square miles and support proposals for high-seas protection under the UN High Seas Treaty. Climate Finance Reform (Kiribati): Kiribati approved a plan to “re-engineer” climate finance ahead of Pre-COP31, pushing for faster reimbursement after adaptation works are verified—so frontline communities can access support within 90 days. UN Climate Push (Kiribati & Pacific): Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau told the UN that national action must be matched by international action, calling for climate finance that is adequate, predictable and accessible for Small Island Developing States. Pre-COP31 Sea-Level Stakes (Tuvalu): Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo highlighted sea-level rise as a present reality and welcomed the UN’s Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which affirms continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries. Pacific Ocean Science: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is changing and what it means for marine ecosystems and climate response. Gender & Water Decisions: Pacific activists say women’s exclusion from water and climate decision-making is the root of wider impacts, urging stronger voices in community and subnational planning before COP31. Kiribati in the Spotlight (Earhart Search): A Purdue-led expedition plans to investigate the “Taraia Object” near Nikumaroro, Kiribati, as a potential link to Amelia Earhart’s lost plane.

Climate Finance Reform (Kiribati): Kiribati’s cabinet has backed a push to “re-engineer” climate finance ahead of Pre-COP31, aiming to let governments start approved adaptation works first, get independent verification, then receive reimbursement from international funds within 90 days—covering needs like seawalls, saltwater barriers, evacuation centres and solar water treatment. Ocean Conservation vs Livelihoods (Palau): Palau President Surangel Whipps says the Pacific must balance marine protection with ocean-based economic development, pointing to its High Seas Treaty ratification and large marine sanctuary while stressing stewardship traditions. Blue Pacific Funding (Bezos Earth Fund): Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants for ocean conservation across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, supporting protection and sustainable management over 625,000+ square miles and targeting 30% protection by 2030. UN Climate Justice Push (Kiribati & region): At UNGA, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau urged stronger international action and accessible, predictable climate finance for Small Island Developing States, framing climate impacts as a direct pressure on communities and ocean-dependent life. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty Risk: A report warns Pacific nations face arbitration threats from foreign deep-sea mining firms, arguing geopolitical drivers are pushing a rush that could undermine sovereignty and bypass domestic courts. Science for a Changing Ocean (CSIRO voyage): CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage from Fiji toward Antarctica to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine ecosystems. Women’s Voice in Water Decisions: Pacific research highlights that excluding women from decision-making is driving gendered climate and water impacts, with calls for women’s participation in community and subnational water choices before Pre-COP31. El Niño Water Stress (Kiribati-linked): Commentary warns El Niño could intensify drought and rainfall swings, stressing that water security is the make-or-break need for island resilience. Amelia Earhart Search (Tarawa/Nikumaroro): A Purdue-led expedition plans to investigate a “Taraia Object” near Nikumaroro, Kiribati, using remote sensing and dredging, with solar power and connectivity set up for the remote lagoon site.

Climate justice at UNGA: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told the UN that sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion and extreme weather are already pressuring communities, and said national action must be matched by international action, with adaptation support and climate finance that’s adequate, predictable and accessible for small island states. Sea-level rise and statehood: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo urged decisive action, pointing to the UN-endorsed Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise that affirms continuity of statehood and permanent maritime boundaries under UNCLOS. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants to protect over 625,000 sq miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and protect at least 30% by 2030. Pacific science for a warming ocean: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific partners to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how marine ecosystems are changing. Women’s voices in water decisions: Pacific advocates say exclusion of women from decision-making is the root cause of many climate and water impacts, calling for women’s participation in water governance ahead of COP31. Kiribati spotlight: Purdue’s Amelia Earhart search expedition plans to investigate the “Taraia Object” near Nikumaroro, using remote sensing and dredging, with solar power and Starlink support.

Blue Pacific conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new grants under “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity,” backing ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu—covering 625,000+ square miles and aiming to manage waters sustainably and protect at least 30% by 2030. UN climate and statehood push: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told the UN General Assembly that national action must be matched by international action, calling for stronger climate finance for Small Island Developing States and highlighting Kiribati as a “Big Ocean Sustainable State.” Sea-level rise as a present reality: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo urged decisive action, pointing to UN endorsement of a Political Declaration that affirms continuity of statehood and permanent maritime boundaries under UNCLOS. Pacific ocean science: CSIRO will lead a Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) from Fiji toward Antarctica, including waters around Kiribati, to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how marine ecosystems are changing. Gender and water decisions: Pacific advocates say women’s exclusion from decision-making is driving wider climate and water harms, urging COP31 prep to put women’s voices at the center of water security planning. Legal climate accountability: A regional writeshop in Nadi is supporting Pacific Island submissions to the ICJ advisory proceedings on climate change. El Niño water stress: A Kiribati-focused commentary warns El Niño could intensify drought and rainfall swings, stressing that water security is the most urgent lifeline for outer islands.

Kiribati at UNGA: President Taneti Maamau told the UN that climate change is already hitting Kiribati with sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion and extreme weather, and he urged “greater ambition” plus adaptation support and climate finance that’s adequate, predictable and accessible for Small Island Developing States. He also highlighted Kiribati as an “ocean nation” and welcomed the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement for better high-seas governance. Tuvalu’s sea-level rise legal win: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo urged urgent action after the UN endorsed a Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which affirms continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime boundaries under UNCLOS—key protection for low-lying atolls. Pacific climate justice push: Pacific leaders at UNGA stressed that climate change is now a present security and economic crisis, calling for grants at scale, less conditionality, and funding that reflects vulnerability. Ocean science for resilience: CSIRO is leading a Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) from Fiji toward Antarctica, with Pacific researchers onboard to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how that’s reshaping marine ecosystems. Blue conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to support tropical Pacific conservation, including work in Kiribati and efforts to develop marine protected area proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty. El Niño water warning: A Cook Islands column warns El Niño could intensify drought and disrupt water supplies across Pacific islands, with Pa Enua communities historically hit hardest. Women and water decisions: New research for WaterAid highlights that women’s exclusion from water decision-making is a root cause of wider climate and water harms, including in Kiribati. Amelia Earhart search (Tarawa/Nikumaroro): Purdue’s expedition team will investigate a “Taraia Object” in Nikumaroro lagoon, using remote sensing and dredging, with solar power and communications planned for the remote site.

Climate Justice at UNGA: Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told the UN General Assembly that national action must match international action, calling for stronger climate finance for adaptation and ocean protection, and backing the high-seas biodiversity deal. Sea-Level Rise, Statehood and Law: Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo welcomed UN endorsement of a sea-level rise political declaration that affirms continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries under UNCLOS—vital for low-lying islands facing erosion and saltwater intrusion. Pacific Women and Water Decisions: New research ahead of COP31 highlights how excluding women from water and climate decision-making drives gendered impacts, with activists urging women’s voices in community and subnational planning. Ocean Science for Protection: CSIRO is leading a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how marine ecosystems are changing—supporting Pacific climate response. Blue Pacific Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants for tropical Pacific conservation, including marine protected area proposals linked to the UN High Seas Treaty, with support for Kiribati. El Niño and Water Security: A Kiribati-linked Pacific commentary warns El Niño could strain water systems and island resilience, stressing the urgency of water planning as conditions worsen. Amelia Earhart Search in Kiribati: Purdue’s expedition plans a five-day investigation near Nikumaroro, Tarawa-bound by boat, using remote sensing and dredging to check the “Taraia Object” in the lagoon.

Climate justice & water governance: Pacific activists say women’s exclusion from water and climate decision-making drives wider gender harm, with research urging Pacific voices to be heard ahead of COP31. Kiribati at UNGA: President Taneti Maamau told the UN that even small states must push for stronger international action on climate change, ocean protection and the nuclear legacy, calling for adaptation support and accessible climate finance for Small Island Developing States. Sea-level rise legal milestone (Tuvalu): Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo welcomed a UN-endorsed Political Declaration that affirms continuity of statehood and permanence of maritime boundaries under UNCLOS—key for island nations facing territorial loss. Ocean protection funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced new grants to support conservation in the tropical Pacific, including Kiribati, and backing for marine protected area proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty. Pacific climate science: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) to track how the ocean is changing and how it affects marine ecosystems. Regional climate pressure at UNGA: Pacific leaders stressed climate change is already a security and economic crisis, not a distant threat, and demanded faster, fairer finance.

Gender & Water Security: Pacific advocates say women are being shut out of water and climate decisions, driving wider harm; research for COP31 prep highlights that women hold key household water knowledge but are absent from community and subnational meetings. Kiribati at UNGA: President Taneti Maamau urged stronger global action on climate change, ocean protection and the nuclear legacy, calling Kiribati a “Big Ocean Sustainable State” and pushing for adequate, predictable climate finance for adaptation. Sea-Level Rise, Statehood & Law: Tuvalu’s PM backed the UN-endorsed Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, stressing continuity of statehood and maritime boundaries under UNCLOS—an urgent legal lifeline for low-lying islands. Ocean Science for Protection: CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific partners, aiming to track how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon and how marine ecosystems are changing. Marine Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund grants support conservation in Kiribati and other Pacific nations, including work toward marine protected areas under the UN High Seas Treaty. El Niño Water Warnings: A Kiribati-focused commentary argues water is the non-negotiable lifeline as El Niño intensifies, with drought and heavy rain risks hitting islands hardest. Climate Justice at ICJ: Pacific attorney generals, including Kiribati, are preparing submissions for an ICJ advisory process on climate change, pushing for urgent climate cooperation and justice.

UN Climate Push from Kiribati: President Taneti Maamau told the UN General Assembly that even the smallest countries must act on climate change, ocean protection and the Pacific’s nuclear legacy, warning Kiribati is already hit by sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion and extreme weather, and calling for stronger international action plus adaptation support and climate finance that is adequate, predictable and accessible for Small Island Developing States. Women, Water and Climate Justice for COP31: A new Pacific-focused report says Pacific women want climate advocates to prioritize water security and gender equality, arguing women are too often excluded from decision-making as El Niño strains water supplies ahead of Fiji and Tuvalu’s pre-COP31 meetings. Pacific Ocean Science Voyage: CSIRO will lead a major research trip from Fiji to Antarctica (with stops including Kiribati) to track how the ocean is absorbing heat and carbon and how marine ecosystems are changing—aimed at better climate response. Sea-Level Rise as an Existential Threat: Pacific leaders at UNGA stressed rising seas are a present reality, not a distant scenario, and demanded climate finance as justice, not charity. Blue Pacific Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund grants will support marine protection work across tropical Pacific nations including Kiribati, backing proposals for marine protected areas under the UN High Seas Treaty. El Niño Water Worries: A Kiribati-linked commentary highlights how El Niño could intensify drought and rainfall swings, stressing that water storage and resilience planning are the lifeline.

UN Climate & Sea-Level Reality: Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly that rising seas are already damaging economies and threatening water, food, and security, with calls for climate finance as grants (not charity) and faster action to cut emissions. Kiribati & Pacific Sovereignty: A related explainer highlights how island states are pushing to preserve statehood and maritime rights as land loss and submergence loom. Ocean Science for Protection: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) from Fiji toward Antarctica, including stops in Kiribati, to track ocean heat, carbon uptake, and impacts on marine ecosystems. Marine Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, including projects in Kiribati, aiming for long-lasting marine protection and support for high-seas marine protected area proposals. Climate Justice in Law: A Pacific writeshop in Nadi is preparing submissions to the ICJ advisory process on climate change, with Kiribati among participating countries. Regional Climate Diplomacy: China’s VP pledged deeper ties with Kiribati alongside other partners at UNGA, while Pacific leaders pressed for stronger global climate commitments.

El Niño Water Worries: A Cook Islands columnist warns that as El Niño intensifies into 2027, Pacific islands face the hardest test of all: water. With drought expected for the Southern Group and heavier rain for the North, the piece argues the “lifeline” is the water stored at home—because limited shipping and resources make recovery slow. UN Climate Push: At UN General Assembly talks, Pacific leaders said climate change is already a present reality, not a distant threat—damaging water, food security, and economies. They pressed for climate finance as grants, not loans, and for faster action that matches the scale of loss and damage. Sea-Level Survival & Statehood: An explainer on rising seas highlights how places like Tuvalu and Kiribati could face land loss and even submergence, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, culture, and nationality. Kiribati in the Science Pipeline: Australia’s CSIRO is leading a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) that will include Kiribati, aiming to track how the ocean and atmosphere are changing. Ocean Protection Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25 million in new grants to support tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in Kiribati and efforts to expand marine protected areas.

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly said climate change is already a “present reality,” not a distant threat—Tuvalu’s PM pointed to reclaimed flood-free land at Funafuti and urged climate finance as scaled grants, while other leaders warned the sea “does not negotiate” and called for justice-focused funding that doesn’t trap small states in repeated disaster recovery. Kiribati in the spotlight: A Kiribati-focused ocean conservation boost landed as Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25 million for marine protection across the tropical Pacific, including Kiribati, supporting proposals for protected areas in high seas waters. Science for the Pacific: Australia’s CSIRO will run a major Pacific Ocean research voyage (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, including travel through Kiribati, to track how the ocean and atmosphere are changing. Legal climate action: Pacific attorney generals and legal teams, including Kiribati, are taking part in a regional writeshop for an ICJ climate advisory process—pushing for climate justice through international law. Sea-level reality check: An explainer highlighted how rising seas threaten homes, heritage, and even statehood, raising urgent questions about sovereignty and future identity for low-lying island nations.

UNGA Climate Push: Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly climate change is already a present security and survival crisis, with Tuvalu’s PM Feleti Teo calling sea-level rise “not a future threat” but “a present reality,” and urging climate finance as grants plus faster action on SDG 14. Sea-Level Rise Reality Check: A UN-backed briefing warns rising seas are reshaping futures and sovereignty, with global sea levels accelerating and low-lying states like Kiribati facing growing storm and flooding damage. Kiribati in the Spotlight: Kiribati’s ocean-linked economy and social protection model is highlighted as the country plans to keep people out of poverty while adapting to climate disruption. Ocean Science Voyage: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip (Sept–Dec 2026) with Pacific researchers, including routes through Kiribati, to track how the ocean and atmosphere are changing. Blue Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants for tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in Kiribati, to expand marine protection and support early high-seas marine protected area proposals. Legal Climate Action: Pacific attorneys general are meeting in Nadi for an ICJ writeshop on climate change submissions, including Kiribati, pushing for climate justice through international law.

UN Climate Push for Pacific Action: Pacific leaders told the UN General Assembly climate change is now a security and economic crisis, with UN chief António Guterres warning fossil-fuel dependence is locking in vulnerability and calling for credible coal, oil and gas phase-out roadmaps. Sea-Level Rise & Statehood: A new focus on “existential threats” highlights how rising seas are already reshaping lives and threatens sovereignty, nationality and maritime zones for low-lying states like Kiribati and Tuvalu. Kiribati Social Protection: Kiribati’s approach to sustaining social protection through ocean-linked revenue and stronger resilience planning is spotlighted as climate costs rise. Ocean Science Voyage: Australia’s CSIRO will lead a major Pacific Ocean research trip (Fiji to Antarctica) with Pacific early-career researchers, aiming to improve understanding of ocean and climate change. Climate Justice in International Law: 16 Pacific countries, including Kiribati, are preparing submissions for an ICJ advisory process on climate change, pushing for climate justice and stronger international cooperation. Tropical Pacific Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, including marine protected area proposals involving Kiribati. Regional Cooperation on Illegal Fishing: Pacific efforts to monitor and curb illegal fishing continue, with enforcement and high-seas cooperation in focus.