Vanuatu Prepares for Tropical Cyclone Lola as 2023-2024 Cyclone Season Begins (Copy)
From Cyclone Threat to Climate Justice Leadership: Vanuatu's Two-Fold Challenge
Vanuatu stands at the crossroads of a formidable challenge as it confronts the advent of the 2023-2024 South Pacific Cyclone season. The arrival of Tropical Cyclone Lola marks a pivotal moment, as it commences this season. What sets this event apart is the fact that Lola is the first South Pacific tropical cyclone to materialize in the month of October since Cyclone Xavier in 2006. Originally labeled as a Category 3 cyclone, Lola's projected rapid intensification is expected to elevate it to a menacing Category 4 within a mere 24 hours. The affected region lies northeast of the Banks group, ensconced within the northern islands of Vanuatu.
This revelation bears greater significance when viewed against the backdrop of Vanuatu's vulnerability. The United Nations has identified Vanuatu as one of the world's most disaster-prone nations, and its susceptibility is exacerbated by the relentless forces of climate change. The ni-Vanuatu people are bracing themselves for an onslaught of tropical cyclones, with eight to fourteen expected to make their presence felt between November 2023 and April 2024. This is a dramatic contrast as compared to the typical season, where approximately seven tropical cyclones pass through the area noted by Fiji Meteorological Service, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi-Tropical Cyclone Centre (RSMC Nadi-TCC).
A deeper analysis of the TC activities in the Pacific Island region from RSMC Nadi-TCC reveals that the season is set to bring four to six tropical cyclones to the western side of the Dateline, signifying near to above-average risk. Meanwhile, to the east of the Dateline, six to nine tropical cyclones are anticipated, marking above-average risk. This forecast also hints at the emergence of five to seven severe tropical cyclones, those belonging to Category 3 or higher in intensity. This number surpasses the standard count of severe tropical cyclones, illustrating the heightened risk associated with this season.
The cyclone season spans from November to April, although history has shown that cyclones are not bound by the constraints of time. Occasionally, they form in October and May, and on rarer occasions in September and June. Therefore, the possibility of cyclones occurring outside the standard season remains a stark reality.
Within this environmental challenge lies the broader global narrative of Vanuatu's pioneering role in the pursuit of climate justice. Since 2019, the government of the Republic of Vanuatu has been at the forefront of the initiative to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding climate change. The endeavor reached a milestone on March 29, 2023, with the adoption of a Resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), co-sponsored by a coalition of 132 countries. This achievement is credited to the diligent diplomatic work of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations, under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Odo Tevi.
In the wake of these significant developments, Ambassador Odo Tevi is prepared to engage in a comprehensive discussion. In this dialogue, he will unveil invaluable insights regarding the journey, the key partners involved, the legal and diplomatic strategies employed, the encountered challenges, the accrued lessons, and the future course of action. This discussion is an open invitation to all who seek to comprehend the intricacies of global endeavors and their far-reaching implications.
If you are interested in Ambassador Tevi's perspective on this leg of the journey and wish to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing efforts and their significance, we cordially invite you to participate in this conversation.
Also, stay updated and gain deeper insights by listening to our three-part podcast series. We look deeper into the Republic of Vanuatu's pivotal role in leading a coalition of countries seeking an Advisory Opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Our guests, Mr. Malcolm Dalesa and His Excellency Mr. Odo Tevi, key figures in the campaign's success, provide valuable insights into the strategy and execution of the initiative.
Join Ambassador Tevi's Insightful Discussion on Climate Justice #UNGA
CLIMATE AMBITION, HARM REDUCTION, & the INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
Join the presentation by Vanuatu Ambassador Odo Tevi on advancing the request for #ICJAO4Climate at #UNGA and building consensus and support within the #ICJAO4Climate core group and the broader General Assembly. These reflections are crucial as we approach the submission deadline in January 2024.
4:30 PM ON THURSDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2023
Pacific Islands lead the climate crisis response. In 2019, Vanuatu initiated an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change. The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on March 29, 2023, thanks to Vanuatu's diplomatic efforts. Join Ambassador Odo Tevi for insights on the journey, strategies, challenges, and the way forward.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change
To register and attend the virtual event, please visit: https://go.hawaii.edu/rUy
IMPORTANT Please note that this event is scheduled in Hawaii Standard Time (HST). The time may differ in your country due to time zone variances.
