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The context in which PICTs import, produce, use and manage energy in the 2020s and beyond will differ from 2010 when the previous 10 year framework began. The region faces even more serious challenges, including: severe climate change and impacts on energy infrastructure; continued heavy dependence on petroleum fuel during a period of expected of global energy market transformation and potential dislocation; continued uncertainties and negative social and economic impacts due to COVID-19 and potentially, further pandemics, and the extension of affordable clean energy services to communities currently poorly served

Ocean sediments are the largest sink for mercury (Hg) sequestration and hence an important part of the global Hg cycle1. Yet accepted global average Hg flux data for deep-ocean sediments (> 200 m depth) are not based on measurements on sediments but are inferred from sinking particulates2. Mercury fluxes have never been reported from the deepest zone, the hadal (> 6 km depth). Here we report the first measurements of Hg fluxes from two hadal trenches (Atacama and Kermadec) and adjacent abyssal areas (2–6 km). Mercury concentrations of up to 400 ng.

Samoa is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, that is made up to nine volcanic islands - two pf which are Savai'i and Upolu. Upolu is the most populated where the capital city Apia is located and Savai'i is the largest of the nine. Samoa is extremely vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic location, status as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Pacific, and the importance of the natural resources to its main economic sectors of fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Samoa is only responsible for an insignificant proportion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite this, Samoa is keen to play its part in global climate change mitigation efforts.

In its first NDC, Solomon Islands has committed to reduce emissions by 12% below 2015 level by 2025 and 30% below 2015 level by 2030 compared to a business-as-usual projection (BaU). However with international assistance Solomon Islands can further reduce its emissions by 27% by 2025; and 45% by 2030. This would make the overall reduction by Solomon Islands more than 50% by 2050.

Temperatures have increased, sea level has risen, cyclones have become less frequent but more intense, and ocean acidification has occurred1,2. This is affecting water resources, health, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, infrastructure, tourism and other sectors

This report on the State of the Climate in South-West Pacific 2020 is the first of its kind for this region and a milestone multi-agency effort to deliver informed climate analysis and climate change trends. It includes a comprehensive integrated risk assessment and climate action guidance for building resilience to extreme weather events and climate change thus promoting sustainable development

Infrastructure offers a unique chance to help countries get back get back on track to meet the sustainable development goals (SDG) mitigate adapt to climate change and equally accelerate recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The shared approach recognizes and addresses significant challenges that are endemic to the Pacific. These include: remoteness and isolation, small populations prevalence and diversity of traditional social practices and economies, limited administrative and technical capacity, frequency and severity of natural disasters and vulnerability to climate change.

Climate change and management of hazardous chemicals and wastes are two of the many challenges facing policy and decision makers committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Improving air quality is key to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. Yet, air quality continues ti deteriorate despite the increase in laws and regulations seeking to address air pollution. This global assessment of air quality legislation in 194 States and the European Union seeks to provide insights into this pressing concern.