Pacific Pre-COP31 in Fiji: Leaders and delegates from Australia, Germany, Nepal and Pacific nations kicked off climate meetings in Fiji ahead of COP31, with Australia and Fiji/Tuvalu hosting and a push for a Pacific declaration on fair climate governance and guaranteed funding. Renewables push: Australia’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen pledged $7.29m for the region’s renewables transition as talks gather momentum. Natural capital for jobs: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged leaders to turn oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries into investment that creates jobs and resilience, pointing to the PNA Vessel Day Scheme as a model. Who’s in the room: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending, as Australia defends the talks’ cost and argues they keep global attention on small-island climate threats. Ocean protection vs livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Pacific countries must balance conservation with production, citing marine sanctuary leadership and traditional stewardship. Deep-sea mining pressure: A report warns the race for seabed minerals is about writing rules that could let companies bypass local courts, while Nauru’s Ocean Resources dispute at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea highlights the legal fight over seabed governance. Nauru and the ICC: The US congratulated Naoero (formerly Nauru) after it announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, framing it as sovereignty action.