Vanuatu in the news as Pacific climate and regional security moves spike; small Melanesian republic, a staunch climate ally and UN actor.
Recent studies reveal that most coastal hazard assessments have underestimated sea levels by about 30cm, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. This miscalculation suggests more land and populations are at risk from rising seas than previously thought, with impacts likely to occur sooner.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Molucca Sea, near North Maluku, Indonesia, causing damage and casualties. Tsunami warnings were issued but later lifted. Several aftershocks followed, with reports of building damage and one death. No significant threat was reported to the Philippines or Malaysia.
The UN General Assembly has voted 141‑8 in favor of a resolution welcoming the ICJ’s advisory opinion on states’ climate obligations. The United States and several major emitters oppose the move; the resolution calls on states to comply with their existing climate obligations and transition away from fossil fuels. The vote follows the ICJ opinion issued last summer and underscored by Pacific island advocates.