We bear the brunt of the climate crisis. A Pacific Cop could help shape the global response

Palau's Rock Islands. Surangel Whipps Jr writes: ‘That the Pacific has never physically hosted a COP – despite bearing the full brunt of the climate crisis – must be corrected.’ Photograph: Matt Rand/AFP/Getty Images

Watching from the western Pacific, we saw many describe Australia’s recent election as a decisive moment for climate and energy policy. If that was the case, the people of Australia have spoken loud and clear.

Like many of us in the Pacific had hoped, most Australians wanted to throw off the shackles of the last decade’s “climate wars” and usher in a new era of responsible climate and energy policy, one that harnesses the limitless potential of Australia’s renewable energy superpowers and helps lead the Pacific region and the world to a safer and more prosperous climate future.