In a week where climate discussions seemed to falter, Arry Simon, the Climate Assessment Officer at the Department of Environment and lead coordinator for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) on Research and Systematic Observations (RSO), delivered a resolute message: scientific integrity must remain paramount, and small island nations will not remain silent as deadlines are postponed. Speaking at the conclusion of recent negotiations, Simon expressed profound disappointment over the decision to delay the Periodic Review (PR)—a crucial process that evaluates global progress against the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s scientific benchmarks and the 1.5°C global warming target—until the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31). He stressed that this deferral jeopardizes a vital accountability mechanism essential for vulnerable nations. ‘This review is not just a technical exercise; it’s a lifeline,’ Simon asserted, expressing confidence that the PR would proceed at COP31. Despite this setback, Simon celebrated the successful conclusion of the RSO agenda item, which highlighted advancements in climate science, including the deteriorating state of the global climate system, progress in attribution science, and the critical role of systematic observation in mitigation, adaptation, and early warning systems. AOSIS also lauded the focus on the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), which supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in leveraging data for policy and life-saving decisions. However, Simon raised concerns about the failure to adequately recognize the IPCC’s role as the cornerstone of the UNFCCC and the omission of ‘extremely alarming’ climate indicators, such as record-breaking global temperatures and accelerating sea-level rise. ‘The way scientific and lived truths were challenged is deeply concerning,’ Simon remarked, calling for greater accountability. As the world looks ahead to COP31, Simon emphasized AOSIS’s unwavering commitment to ensuring scientific integrity remains a priority, warning that for frontline nations, every delay is a step closer to an irreversible future.
Arry Simon Delivers Closing Statement at Research and Systematic Observation Negotiations
