Overview:
The UN Environment Programme’s Limiting Overshoot Report warns that global temperatures are set to surpass 1.5°C in the coming years, escalating climate risks for vulnerable communities. At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), chaired by Palau, issued an urgent call to action, emphasizing that overshoot must not be an excuse for surrender. Small island developing states are calling for concrete implementation, stronger NDCs, a just transition away from fossil fuels, and predictable climate finance to protect their communities.
ANTALYA, 09 NOVEMBER 2026 (SPREP) — The Limiting Overshoot Report, by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warning that global temperature rise is set to cross 1.5°C, likely within the next few years, pushing climate risks and impacts to increasingly dangerous heights, cannot be an excuse for surrender.
“It must be a wake-up call and above all a call to action,” said Ambassador Ilana Seid, Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations.
“The impacts are already intensifying, and I’m deeply concerned by the effects of a supercharged El Nino, including drought throughout parts of the Pacific and the Caribbean, as rising temperatures bring unprecedented challenges to our communities.”
Ambassador Seid was speaking during the COP31 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Preparatory Meeting, facilitated by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). The Government of Palau is the current Chair.
The two-day meeting from 5-6 November, was an opportunity for AOSIS leads and officials on different priority thematic areas to finalise positions and areas of convergence on the eve of two weeks of climate change negotiations. According to Ambassador Seid, COP31 in Turkey is taking place at an extraordinarily complex moment.
“Multilateralism is under intense scrutiny, and the geopolitical landscape is increasingly challenging,” she reminded. “But let’s remember that the geopolitical situation has never been perfect, and if there’s one thing that defines small island developing states is their perseverance, even through the toughest of times.”
The voice of SIDS must always remain the “moral anchor of this COP process,” she reminded.
“We must continue to fight for what’s right because it’s here through multilateralism that our collective strength in numbers matters. It’s here that we have a vital seat at the table. So now more than ever, we must rally harder.”
COP31 is taking place amidst record-breaking global temperatures, escalating climate impacts, severe weather disasters, and growing energy insecurity. In Anatalya, the AOSIS membership are calling for commitments made under the Action Agenda to translate into delivery on the ground for those most affected.
“We must ensure that implementation initiatives deliver measurable results for our countries,” added Ambassador Seid.
“COP31 must be a COP of delivery and implementation, and we need a credible, action-oriented pathway to close the 1.5-degree implementation gap with stronger NDCs, accelerated implementation of the global stocktake against energy commitments, a just transition away from fossil fuels and the climate finance adaptation support, and predictable loss and damage funding that SIDS need to turn commitments into action.”
COP31 follows the successful hosting of pre-COP in Tuvalu and Fiji by the Australian Pacific COP31 Partnership.
As AOSIS Chair, Ambassador Seid said she was deeply encouraged by the opportunities for the COP31 presidencies and leaders to witness firsthand the realities of climate change SIDS have been describing for decades.
“My hope is that this experience translates into tangible outcomes here in Turkey,” said Ambassador Seid. “We can’t afford to lose hope, lose momentum, or lose sight of why we’re here. Let’s draw on our resilience, our solidarity, and our collective strength, and let’s continue to stand together, to speak with one voice, and fight for a future in which our islands and our people can thrive.”
Since 1990, AOSIS has represented the interests of the 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate change, sustainable development negotiations and processes.
As a voice for the vulnerable, its mandate is more than amplifying marginalised voices as it also advocates for these countries’ interests. At COP31, this commitment and work continues…. PACNEWS