Our Island is Sinking, Tuvalu Pleads for Urgent Climate Change Action

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Tuvalu. The people of Tuvalu have challenged the world and it’s Pacific Island Forum leaders to take immediate decisive action against climate change.

“We issue an impassionate plea to the world to finally confront the most important challenge of our age. A more decisive and ambitious response to the threat of climate change

In an introductory video compiled by the regional journalists with the assistance of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, the people of Tuvalu send strong messages to world and Pacific leaders.

“This year’s meeting is a totally different one because we would like to hear from our leaders in the Pacific the progress made on talks of nation-building, cooperation and most importantly, their action on climate change”.

“Our Island is sinking. We are worried about our children as to what will happen to them.”

The Tuvalu Prime Minister and Chair of this years forum stressed the importance of the issue for his small island nation, now at the extreme frontline of the global climate emergency.

“We must understand the critical issues that confront us are huge and immense. There is no time to waste,” says Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga.

Tuvalu is made up of three reef islands and six coral atolls with a combined land area of just 26 square kilometres and a population of just over 6,000.

A representative of Tuvalu’s National Youth Council Nanoua Lilivau Ewekia has also taken the opportunity to send a strong message directed to the Pacific Forum Island Leaders.

“How would you feel if you lose your country? Lose your island?”

“Lose your language, your identity and your culture?”

“This message has been with me for a very long time. Since I was little I’ve been thinking about it.”

Me Ewekia challenges the Forum Leaders to respond to her question, and pleads for action.

“We all know climate change is real, and as a youth, we would like to live in a country that is not affected by climate change”.

“We don’t want to be victims of climate change.”

Tuvalu calls on the world to take decisive action to save low lying atolls like Tuvalu from rising sea levels and extreme weather events associated with climate change.

https://www.facebook.com/Pacific.Islands.Forum.Secretariat/videos/464481584388427/

(21)