AGP Executive Report

Climate-Resilient Reefs: New research finds nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs are more heat-tolerant than previously thought, offering hope for “super reefs” across the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu as bleaching pressure grows. Ocean Heat Watch: Scientists are tracking a 100-day streak of record ocean warmth, a sign that marine life is being pushed by prolonged heat rather than any single day’s reading. Sea-Level Reality Check for Kiribati: Pacific experts warn that some sea-level risk maps may be based on wrong land-elevation assumptions, and UN reporting on overshoot makes clear adaptation can’t wait. UN Nuclear Justice for Kiribati: A UN meeting on victims’ assistance and environmental remediation highlights how nuclear testing and weapons leave long-lasting harm across generations, with Kiribati among the affected. Safer Betio, Tarawa: More than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance pieces are being cleared from Bonnyman’s Bunker in Betio, with NZDF support to remove munitions away from homes. Pacific Leadership Tensions: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Kiribati’s absence of top leaders and the wider China–US diplomatic pressure underscored how geopolitics is colliding with regional priorities. El Niño Polycrisis Alert: ChildFund warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought, heavier rain, and rising stress on drinking water, food and children’s health across parts of Kiribati and nearby islands.

Climate-Resilient “Super Reefs”: New research finds nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs may be more heat-tolerant than previously thought, offering hope for protecting fragile ecosystems. Reporting from the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu highlights plans to link these “super reefs” with marine protected area corridors. Ocean Heat Record: Scientists say the seas have logged 100 straight days of record average heat, with impacts showing up in how marine life shifts or disappears as waters warm. Kiribati UXO Clearance: More than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance pieces are being removed from Betio, Tarawa, with NZDF support to transport explosives to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal—aimed at reducing long-standing risks to residents. Pacific Sea-Level Reality Check: Experts warn some regional sea-level planning may rely on flawed land-elevation assumptions, and UN overshoot pathways mean higher seas and flooding risk will continue. El Niño Warning for Kiribati and neighbours: A strengthening El Niño is expected to bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health amid existing fuel and cost stresses.

Climate-Resilient “Super Reefs”: New research finds nearly one-third of the world’s coral reefs are climate resilient—three times more than thought—offering hope for protecting reef ecosystems as mass bleaching intensifies. Reporting highlights efforts to build marine protected “super reef” corridors across the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. Ocean Heat Watch: Scientists are tracking major shifts in marine life as oceans hit record warmth; Climate Central reports 100 straight days of record average ocean heat, a warning sign for fish and other reef-dependent species. Kiribati UXO Safety: More than 400 WWII explosives are being cleared from Bonnyman’s Bunker in Betio, Tarawa, with NZDF support and disposal on an uninhabited sandbar to reduce long-standing risks to residents. El Niño Pressure on Water and Food: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are also preparing for a strengthening El Niño, with forecasts pointing to drought in some areas (including around Kiribati) and heavier rain elsewhere—raising concerns for drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health. UN Nuclear Justice and Environment: A UN meeting on victims’ assistance and environmental remediation—chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati—puts humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear testing and use at the center of global disarmament talks.

Ocean Heat & Marine Life: Oceans have hit a 100th straight day of record average heat, with scientists warning that even small temperature shifts can push fish and other marine life to move or disappear. Climate Science for Kiribati: Pacific experts say some sea-level risk maps may be wrong because satellite elevation data can misread land height in tropical areas—an issue for places like Kiribati where communities live only metres above sea level. UN Overshoot Warning: A new UN report says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, meaning sea-level rise is “locked in” and adaptation is now urgent for Pacific islands. El Niño Fuel-Water Pressure: With a strong El Niño likely to continue through 2026, islands including Kiribati face drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and rising stress on drinking water, food and children’s health—on top of fuel crisis strain. Kiribati UXO Safety: More than 400 WWII explosives are being cleared from Betio (Tarawa), with NZDF support to move and dispose of munitions away from homes and public facilities. Nuclear Justice, Environment: A UN meeting on victims’ assistance and environmental remediation highlights how nuclear testing and weapons leave long-lasting health and environmental harm, with Kiribati involved in chairing. Food Security & Tuna: The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries including Kiribati to celebrate tuna’s role in diets, livelihoods and food security. Local Livelihoods (VCO): India–Kiribati’s Virgin Coconut Oil project is launched in Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training for farmers and women’s cooperatives.

Climate science & sea-level risk: UN reporting on “overshoot” is landing hard in the Pacific, with experts warning that some sea-level planning uses wrong land-elevation data—satellites can misread ground under trees—so communities like Kiribati and Tuvalu may be facing higher flooding risk than maps assume. Kiribati safety on the ground: New Zealand Defence Force teams are clearing more than 400 WWII unexploded explosives from Betio, Tarawa, moving them to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal to reduce danger around homes and public buildings. Pacific diplomacy & climate action: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed an “ocean sovereignty” agenda and called for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach, while also “registering concern” over China’s missile test and urging 24-hour advance notice. Women’s leadership funding: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead backs leadership pipelines, but the PIF leaders’ table still had no women at the retreat. El Niño pressure: Pacific communities are bracing for a strong El Niño that could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, stressing water, food and children’s health—especially where fuel crises already bite. Kiribati–India livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Kiribati to support processing plants and training, aiming to turn coconut resources into higher-value income. Regional unity under strain: Kiribati’s absence of top leaders at the PIF retreat and its “snub” at closing highlighted how geopolitics around China and Taiwan is complicating Pacific unity.

Climate Risk & Data Accuracy: Pacific climate experts warn that some sea-level planning is based on flawed land-elevation maps, because satellites can measure treetops instead of ground—raising the stakes for places like Kiribati and Tuvalu where communities sit just metres above sea level. UN Overshoot Warning: A new UN report says the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit, meaning sea-level rise is “locked in” for centuries—so adaptation is now unavoidable, not optional. Kiribati Safety & Cleanup: New Zealand Defence Force teams are clearing more than 400 wartime explosives from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, moving UXOs to an isolated sandbar for disposal to reduce long-standing danger in a densely populated area. Pacific Food Security & Tuna: The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries, including Kiribati, using a culinary competition to highlight tuna’s role in diets, livelihoods, and food security. Women’s Leadership Funding: Australia’s AU$195m boost for Pacific Women Lead backs women’s leadership programs—while noting the PIF leaders’ table still has no women among heads of government. El Niño Pressure on Water: ChildFund warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, increasing stress on drinking water, food, and children’s health. Nuclear Victims & Remediation: UN talks on victims assistance and environmental remediation stress that nuclear testing’s harm spans generations, with Kiribati chairing the meeting.

Sea-Level Reality Check: UNEP’s “Limiting Overshoot” report says the world will exceed 1.5°C soon—and for the Pacific, sea-level rise is “locked in,” meaning adaptation is now unavoidable. Pacific Climate Resilience for Kids: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to make schools safer in cyclones, floods, and rising seas, including climate-proof water/sanitation, renewable power, and disaster-ready maintenance. El Niño Threat to Water and Food: ChildFund warns a strong El Niño is likely to bring drought for some islands (including Kiribati) and heavier rain for others, raising pressure on drinking water, food, and children’s health—on top of fuel stress. Oceans, Fisheries, and Pollution: Pacific Islands Forum leaders backed stronger regional action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution, and pushed preparations for the BBNJ ocean biodiversity talks. Kiribati UXO Safety Push: NZDF and Kiribati Police are clearing 400+ WWII explosives from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, moving them to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal. Local Livelihoods, VCO Boost: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to raise coconut value, support processing on Nonouti and Teraina, and create income opportunities. Nuclear Remediation Focus: A UN meeting on “Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation” highlighted the long humanitarian and environmental fallout from nuclear weapons testing, with Kiribati chairing. Regional Politics Spill Over: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders “registered concern” over China’s July missile test with calls for 24-hour advance notice; Kiribati was notably absent from key retreat moments.

UN Nuclear Fallout & Cleanup: UN meeting on “Victims Assistance and Environmental Remediation” put humanitarian and environmental harm from nuclear testing at the center, with Kiribati chairing and Kazakhstan leading—highlighting long-term impacts on communities and ecosystems. Kiribati UXO Safety: NZDF and Kiribati Police are clearing more than 400 WWII unexploded ordnance from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, moving explosives to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal to reduce ongoing danger in a densely built area. Pacific Climate Resilience for Kids: EU-UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems program to make schools in Kiribati and other islands withstand cyclones, floods, sea-level rise, with climate-proof water/sanitation, renewable power, and disaster-ready maintenance. El Niño Water & Food Pressure: ChildFund warns a strong El Niño is likely to bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising risks for drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health—on top of fuel crisis strain. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection: Pacific leaders in Palau strengthened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution, pushing coordinated action tied to biodiversity and ocean governance. Pacific Tuna & Food Security: FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna’s role in livelihoods and protein across Pacific countries including Kiribati. Blue Pacific Energy & Livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods and resilience.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: Leaders in Palau “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test after it overflew parts of the region without adequate notice, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—though Naoero dissented and Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat and even omitted at the closing acknowledgements. Kiribati UXO safety push: New Zealand Defence Force teams are clearing more than 400 WWII explosives from Betio’s Bonnyman’s Bunker, moving ordnance to an uninhabited sandbar for safe disposal to reduce long-standing risks in a densely populated area. Climate resilience for children: A new EU–UNICEF programme (about €17m) will help Pacific schools, including Kiribati, stay open during disasters with climate-resilient water and sanitation, renewable power, stronger maintenance, and training for teachers and administrators. El Niño warning for Kiribati and neighbours: ChildFund NZ says fuel shortages plus worsening climate impacts could trigger a “polycrisis,” with forecasts pointing to higher rainfall around Kiribati and nearby equatorial areas, raising pressure on safe drinking water and food. Nuclear harm on the agenda: At a UN meeting co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, countries focused on victims’ lived experiences and environmental remediation after nuclear testing and use. Blue Pacific livelihoods: India–Kiribati cooperation continues, including a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa supported by US$900,000, aiming to raise-value processing and create local jobs.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a climate action push and a missile-test concern—they “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test that overflew members without adequate notice, calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning. Kiribati at the margins: Kiribati was notably absent from the leaders’ retreat and was initially omitted from acknowledgements at the closing, with its envoy calling it “protocol-wise… not good,” while Kiribati also declined to back the missile-test condemnation. El Niño warning for Kiribati and neighbours: Pacific communities face a polycrisis risk as El Niño is expected to continue through 2026, bringing drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, with growing pressure on water, food and children’s health. Safer schools, safer futures: A new EU-UNICEF programme will fund climate-resilient education across the Pacific, including Kiribati, with upgrades to water/sanitation, renewable power, and disaster-ready maintenance. Nuclear legacy on the agenda: UN talks on victim assistance and environmental remediation put the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons testing at the centre, with Kiribati co-chairing the meeting. Local resilience and livelihoods: In Tarawa, India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project to boost higher-value coconut processing and training, supporting rural jobs and women’s cooperatives. Betio UXO clearance: NZDF and Kiribati Police are removing 400+ WWII explosives from Betio to an isolated sandbar, reducing long-standing danger in a densely populated area.

UXO Safety in Betio: New Zealand Defence Force teams are clearing more than 400 unexploded Second World War explosives from Bonnyman’s Bunker in Betio, Tarawa, with munitions to be transported to an isolated sandbar for safe disposal—removing a long-standing hazard from homes and public facilities. Climate Shock Readiness: Pacific leaders and partners are pushing practical resilience as El Niño strengthens—fuel shortages plus extreme weather could strain water, food and children’s health, with forecasts pointing to wetter conditions for parts of Micronesia and drier spells elsewhere. Schools Built for Disasters: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme will help Kiribati and other Pacific states upgrade school water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so classrooms can stay open during and after cyclones and floods. Nuclear Legacy at the UN: Kiribati (with Kazakhstan) chairs a UN meeting on victims’ assistance and environmental remediation, spotlighting the humanitarian and ecological fallout of nuclear testing and use. Pacific Ocean Protection: Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, linking it to climate and biodiversity goals.

Pacific Unity at Risk: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau closed with big climate and ocean commitments, but also a “silent” story of empty chairs—Kiribati, along with Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and others, sent low-level representation, thinning solidarity at the top. Nuclear & Environmental Remediation: At the UN, Kiribati (with Kazakhstan) helped chair a meeting focused on victims’ lived experiences and environmental cleanup after nuclear testing and use. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme will help Pacific schools, including in Kiribati, stay open during disasters with safer water and sanitation, renewable power, stronger maintenance, and training for teachers. El Niño Pressure on Water and Food: Pacific communities are bracing for a strong El Niño—100% chance it continues through late 2026—raising risks of drought, flooding, and growing strain on drinking water, food and children’s health. Oceans, Fisheries & Pollution: Forum leaders strengthened regional positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated action and preparations for the BBNJ process. Kiribati Development Push: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and rural livelihoods, including women’s cooperatives.

Nuclear & environment: At the UN, Kiribati (co-chair) and Kazakhstan led a meeting on victims’ assistance and environmental remediation, underscoring how nuclear testing and use keep harming communities across generations. Pacific climate resilience for schools: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau, upgrading water/sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so schools in Kiribati and other islands can stay open during and after cyclones, floods and sea-level impacts. El Niño warning: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are bracing for a strong El Niño, with forecasts pointing to both drought and heavier rain—raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health, including in Kiribati. Oceans & pollution: Pacific leaders in Palau strengthened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, pushing coordinated action tied to climate and biodiversity goals. Kiribati at PIF: Kiribati was notably absent from key leader-level moments and was left out of parts of the closing protocol, after earlier refusing to back a missile-test condemnation—while the summit also grappled with Taiwan-China tensions. Livelihoods & resilience: India-backed work in South Tarawa launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project to boost higher-value coconut processing, training and rural incomes.

El Niño warning for Kiribati and the Pacific: With fuel shortages already squeezing water, food and children’s health, Pacific agencies warn a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some places and heavier rain in others—raising risks of unsafe drinking water and crop failure. Pacific Islands Forum climate and ocean push: At the 55th PIF in Palau, leaders backed urgent climate action to keep 1.5°C within reach and tightened regional positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution. Missile-test fallout and Kiribati absence: PIF leaders “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test overflying members without adequate notice, calling for 24-hour advance warning; Nauru dissented and Kiribati’s President skipped the leaders retreat. EU-UNICEF school resilience for Kiribati: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme will upgrade climate-resilient water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so schools can stay open during disasters, including in Kiribati. India-Kiribati green and people-focused cooperation: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa and held talks on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, digitisation and renewable energy—aimed at building a more resilient Blue Pacific. Tuna for food security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” to celebrate World Tuna Day and highlight tuna’s role in Pacific livelihoods and nutrition, including in Kiribati.

Pacific climate risk: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau “registered concern” over China’s July missile test, but the bigger message for Kiribati and neighbours was climate survival—leaders backed urgent, inclusive action to keep 1.5°C within reach and pushed stronger ocean, fisheries and marine pollution positions. El Niño warning for Kiribati: With fuel shortages already straining water and food, forecasts point to a 100% chance El Niño continues through late 2026, bringing heavier rain in parts of Micronesia (including around Kiribati) and drought elsewhere—raising risks for drinking water, sanitation and children’s health. Safer schools funding: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools in Kiribati and other islands with climate-resilient water/sanitation, renewable power and disaster-ready maintenance. Kiribati–India livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in South Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training for farmers and women’s groups. Kiribati at the forum: Kiribati was notably absent from key leader retreat moments and was “snubbed” at the closing list, while India–Kiribati talks also focused on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and digitisation. Tuna and food security: The FFA and SPC rolled out “Tuna Bites” to celebrate tuna’s role in Pacific diets and livelihoods, with Kiribati among participating countries.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: Leaders in Palau “registered concern” over China’s July ICBM test after it overflew parts of the region without adequate notice, urging at least 24 hours’ advance warning and transparency. Kiribati absence: Kiribati’s President skipped the leaders’ meeting and the country was omitted from the closing list, while Naoero (Nauru) dissented—highlighting how geopolitics is splashing into regional decision-making. Ocean & marine protection: The forum backed stronger Pacific positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and pushed coordinated work for the BBNJ talks. Climate-resilient schools: A new EU–UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance so schools in Kiribati and other Pacific states can stay open during disasters. Local livelihoods: India launched a Virgin Coconut Oil project in Tarawa to boost higher-value coconut processing and training, aiming at jobs for farmers and women’s groups.