FIJI, Oct. 8 -- Pacific Political Champion for climate-induced Loss and Damage, Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, has a clear message to world leaders gathering in Fiji to prepare for COP31 in Turkiye next month.

"Responding to loss and damage is not charity," he said.

"The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which our region fought for, confirmed that States have binding obligations on climate change, and that breaching them has legal consequences. This is a matter of justice."

Hu'akavameiliku was speaking on the margins of the ongoing pre-COP in Nadi where discussions about the impact of climate induced loss and damage have taken centre stage as part of the push for improved access to climate finance. It is one of ...