Australia Pacific Islands Business Council Vice President and Associate Director of Hall Contracting William Blank attended COP28 at the United Arab Emirates last year.
The highlight of Blank’s visit to COP28 was his attendance at an event hosted by the Government of Tuvalu, shedding light on Tuvalu’s Long-Term Adaptation Plan (LTAP) to tackle the imminent threat of rising sea levels. Tuvalu, a small, low-lying atoll nation, faces a grave challenge with 95 per cent of its capital at risk of being flooded by routine high tides by the year 2100.
In a noteworthy collaboration between the private sector and the government of Tuvalu, Hall Contracting, has played a pivotal role in climate adaptation solutions in the atoll nation, which was showcased during COP28.
William Blank at one of the sessions at COP28
The Hall Contracting team had recently completed the construction of a substantial 78,000sqm foreshore reclamation area in Tuvalu. This project stands as a testament to the efficacy of coastal protection solutions in mitigating the impacts of climate change, offering a glimmer of hope for vulnerable nations like Tuvalu.
The foreshore reclamation area is designed not only to safeguard against rising sea levels but also to provide resilience against severe weather events. Tuvalu’s ambition, as outlined in its Long-Term Adaptation Plan, is to create approximately 3.5sqkm of flood-free land. This strategic move aims to not only protect its citizens but also to develop a sustainable water supply and enhance food and energy security – critical components in combating the climate crisis.
The Government of Tuvalu has been actively engaged in the global conversation surrounding climate finance and sustainable development. Tuvalu Finance Minister Seve Paeniu, a key figure in Tuvalu’s climate initiatives, was invited to provide the keynote address at the event titled “Unlocking Finance for the Green Economy: The Call for Financial Reform”, as well as several forums and seminars at the event. These events took place as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit at the Connect Conference Centre in the Green Zone during COP28.
William Blank’s presence at the event exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the private sector and governments to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Australian Pacific Islands Business Council, through Hall’s involvement, reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience in the Pacific region.
As the global community grapples with the urgency of climate action, collaborations such as these underscore the significance of public-private partnerships in finding innovative and effective solutions to safeguard the most vulnerable nations against the impacts of a changing climate.
