Fiji, Nov. 17 -- Solomon Islands Environment Minister Polycarp Paea has delivered a blunt message in Belem, warning that Pacific nations are "at the frontline of a climate crisis not of our making" and demanding that developed countries meet their legal obligations on climate finance.

"We contribute less than 0.03 percent of global emissions, yet face the most devastating consequences - rising seas, intensifying storms, and the slow erosion of our cultures, sovereignty, and livelihoods," Paea told the 3rd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance.

He said the International Court of Justice's recent Advisory Opinion made it clear that wealthy nations have binding responsibilities to provide developing states especially SIDS and ...