Skeptical Stance on Climate Change Maintained by New Zealand Foreign Minister at Pacific Island Forum
At the recent Pacific Islands Forum, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, expressed his skepticism regarding the consensus on climate change. This position contradicted the views of the visiting U.N. Secretary-General, António Guterres, who emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and warned against continuing to explore oil and gas deposits.
Guterres, in his opening speech, stated that countries like Australia and New Zealand, which are still seeking oil and gas reserves, are essentially endangering the planet’s future. He urged for increased funding to combat the rising sea levels and referred to climate change as a crisis caused entirely by humanity. Given the concerns of many Pacific nations regarding severe weather events and rising sea levels, climate change was at the forefront of the Forum’s agenda.
However, when questioned about climate change, Peters, who is also New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, offered a different perspective. He pointed out that climate change has been occurring for thousands of years and cited previous natural disasters, such as Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, as evidence that current events are not unprecedented. According to him, similar storms have occurred in the past, and there have been significant climate changes throughout history, including a mini-ice age in the 1600s.
Peters emphasized the importance of building resilience against climate change while transitioning to a new era. He also cast doubt on whether New Zealand would continue to provide generous climate subsidies once the current budget expires next year. New Zealand currently commits $750 million in climate finance between 2022 and 2025, and a decision will need to be made on the allocation for the following year.
This skeptical stance on climate change aligns with Peters’ political party, New Zealand First, which has a voter base that opposes vaccine mandates and questions the science behind climate change. Peters’ deputy, Shane Jones, even stated, “I belong to New Zealand First, not ‘climate first.'”
However, Peters’ viewpoint differs from that of other Pacific leaders, including his own Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon. Luxon recently addressed the Lowy Institute, emphasizing that climate change poses a significant security threat. He highlighted the impact of eroding shorelines and intensifying extreme weather events on the lives and livelihoods of Pacific communities.
While Peters’ skepticism may be at odds with the majority of Pacific leaders, it is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives within the region. Climate change remains a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is essential to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration to find sustainable solutions.
