Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on world leaders to take bold action by redirecting harmful fisheries subsidies toward tackling the escalating costs of climate loss and damage.
Speaking passionately at the Thematic Session on Forests and Oceans during the ongoing COP30 in Brazil, Okonjo-Iweala urged WTO member nations to show genuine commitment to the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement — a landmark global effort to curb wasteful spending that harms the environment.
She explained that the agreement aims to eliminate more than $22 billion in subsidies that encourage overfishing and endanger marine life. By redirecting these funds, Okonjo-Iweala said, countries could provide crucial support for communities already suffering from the devastating effects of rising seas, floods, and extreme weather.
“Repurposing some of these subsidies to assist with loss and damage from climate-related weather events will be impactful,” she said. “It’s time we connect trade policy with climate action to protect both people and the planet.”
Her message struck a powerful chord with delegates, many of whom acknowledged that trade reforms must go hand in hand with climate responsibility. Experts at the session agreed that aligning global economic systems with environmental priorities is no longer optional — it’s essential for survival.
As COP30 negotiations continue, Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks reinforce a growing global consensus: the fight against the climate crisis must be financially supported, strategically planned, and environmentally just.
Her call serves as a reminder that the oceans sustaining life on Earth also need protection — and that the same resources once used to exploit them could now help heal the planet.
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