At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) People's Forum on October 21, 2024, climate advocate Brianna Fruean made a powerful statement that resonated with many in the room:

"Financing is not a destination, it’s oxygen."

This was her way of stressing the importance of financial support in the global fight against climate change. In her remarks during the climate change session held at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Brianna pointed out that without the necessary funding, even the best climate projects cannot move forward. Money, she explained, is not just an end goal or a box to tick off. It is the fuel needed to keep these efforts alive, just like how oxygen keeps living things breathing.

Brianna highlighted that in the fight against climate change, we have many brilliant ideas, strategies, and commitments. However, to put these ideas into action, financial support is crucial. From transitioning to renewable energy, building resilient infrastructure, or helping communities adapt to rising sea levels, none of these actions can happen without proper funding.

She compared financial backing to oxygen, saying that it’s essential for projects to thrive and grow. Without it, no matter how ambitious the project or how dedicated the people behind it, it will struggle to make a meaningful impact.

Brianna's message was also a call to action for leaders, governments, and international donors present at CHOGM. She emphasized that developed nations, financial institutions, and global partners must step up their game by providing the necessary financial resources to those countries and communities most affected by climate change.

In the Pacific, which is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, there’s an urgent need for resources to build stronger and more sustainable communities. She urged leaders to not just make promises but to commit to real action by delivering the funds needed to turn climate solutions into reality.

Brianna’s analogy of financing as oxygen carries a strong message: just as we need oxygen to live, climate projects need financial support to succeed. She reinforced that climate finance is not just an option; it’s a lifeline for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Her words served as a reminder that if we want to make real progress in fighting climate change, we need to ensure that the flow of funding is continuous and reliable. Otherwise, the fight for a sustainable future will be suffocated before it even begins.