Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS): Advocating for Climate Justice

AOSIS has 39 member states and 5 observing nations from the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. Despite their small size, these nations have managed to influence international climate policies particularly concerning the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

Objectives and Key Focus Areas

Three main areas where AOSIS focuses are:

1. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

• AOSIS calls for a global coordinated response with the ultimate aim to keep the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius from the pre industrial levels.

• More GHG emission reduction commitments from developed countries is required.

• More funds are needed for small island states to help them in adapting to and recovering from climate related disasters for example, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

2. Loss and Damage Compensation

• These small island nations are already undergoing some of the most severe impacts of climate change, such as, the erosion of coastlines, loss of freshwater, and migratory exodus.

• AOSIS showed their utmost concern for the implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund, which was resolved in COP 27 (2022), and helps nations impacted by destructions arising out of climate change.

3. Sustainable Development and Blue Economy

• Recognizing the economic dependency of small islands on fishing, tourism and biodiversity, AOSIS advocates for the sustainable development of oceans and marine resources.

• Endorses projects such as the Blue Economy whose aim is to promote economic development in the marine spheres, while simultaneously conserving the environment.

AOSIS and International Climate Agreements

AOSIS has been actively involved in sea and oceans AOSIS has, since its inception, actively participated and contributed in the most crucial climate negotiations such as, but beyond:

1. The Kyoto Protocol (1997)

• AOSIS was among the most vocal proponents of legally binding GHG reduction commitments by developed countries.

• Contributed actively to broadening the scope of climate negotiations to include the issues of small islands.

2. The Paris Agreement (2015)

• AOSIS, on its own or with other nations, promoted inclusion of the 1.5oC target as maximum allowed global warming in order for the world to be livable to the concerns of the beading of the history small islands.

• Continues to hold greater responsibility over developed nations regarding their NDC’s.

3. COP26 (2021) and COP27 (2022)

• AOSIS supported ending subsidies for fossil fuels and increasing financing for adaptation to climate change.

• Sponsored the establishment of the L&D Fund and the responsibility of major powers to provide aid to countries suffering from the impact of climate change.

Obstacles Experienced by AOSIS Countries

These small island states encounter profound problems even with their attempts at advocacy, such as the following:

1. Increased Sea Levels – Several island countries, including Tuvalu and the Maldives, are susceptible to flooding, which may render the islands inhabitable.

2. Economic Weakness – Recurrent climate related catastrophes exert an additional burden on national economies and increase the debt burden.

3. AOSIS States Put a Lot of Resources In and Get Very Little Out – Although AOSIS members have this moral power, they do get out maneuvered politically and economically by the larger polluters.

4. Tardy Climate Investment – Many developing countries have made pledges for funding, but many of these commitments are simply not kept, or are kept far too late.

Climate Justice and AOSIS

While pushing for climate mal-adaptation and mitigation, AOSIS pursues:

• Increased spending from developed countries.

• Higher international policies on carbon emissions on top of the Paris Agreement.

• Ocean ecosystem protection while promoting sustainable economic growth.
  

As the most affected region by climate change, AOSIS is expected to lead in proposing evidential global action strategies to save their nations as well as the future generation. It goes without saying that AOSIS leadership has played a central role in stimulating climate policy processes and ensuring that the voices of small island states are heard at the international level.

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