FIJI, Oct. 8 -- Antigua and Barbuda has backed the Pacific's call to keep the 1.5C target within reach, protect the sovereignty of climate-vulnerable states and deliver climate finance at the scale needed to prevent communities from being forced from their homes.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister for Environment Michael Joseph told Pacific leaders at the Pre-COP31 plenary in Denarau that his visit to Tuvalu showed the close similarities between the climate threats facing Pacific and Caribbean island states.

"I saw vulnerable coastlines, homes and communities just metres from the sea and people determined to remain on their land, preserve their culture and a way of life, defend their right to economic development and shape the future they cho...