Alliance of Small Island States

Stance on Climate Change Negotiations

AOSIS has been fighting climate change in international contexts since its inception. The rising of global temperatures and its consequences, such as the sea level rise, ocean acidification, and land and forest degradation threaten the livelihood and mere existence of AOSIS nations. AOSIS has a delicate position in climate change international relations, as it contributes little to global warming, yet faces the harshest consequences.

​

AOSIS main objective is to ensure that the decrease in global carbon emissions is consistent with reducing the temperature rise of 1.5°C. AOSIS urgently calls on developed countries to meet this objective. AOSIS views climate change as an existential threat to its members and links it to international security issues, such as potential large-scale displacement and conflicts over diminishing

​

For the member states of AOSIS, climate change and rising sea levels in particular pose an existential threat to their continued existence. Recently, the Pacific island nation Tuvalu and Australia signed a treaty providing “human mobility with dignity” (Australia-Tuvalu Falepilli Union 2023, 2) for Tuvaluan citizens, allowing those affected by rising sea levels to apply for a special visa category. In return, Tuvaluan security and foreign policy are tied to Australian interests. Willingness to accept such intrusion on Tuvaluan sovereignty reflects the existential threat climate change poses to smaller island states.