Papua New Guinea Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister Geoffrey Kama wants an outright ban on the manufacture, import and use of single-use plastic shopping bags in the country by November. Kama told journalists in Port Moresby that the ban introduced by former minister Sir John Pundari was a noble move which he wanted to […]
Category: Our region
Why this Time cover is a disgrace to the climate realities of Pacific islanders
Eleven thousand. That’s approximately how many people are living in Tuvalu right now. That is exactly how many people are facing direct threats to their homes, livelihoods and identities as a result of rising sea levels, storm surges, cyclones and the other climate change-related events hitting Tuvalu on a monthly basis. Hundreds have already left […]
Pacific Island States declare ‘climate crisis’ and urge action
Nadi, Fiji (July 31, 2019) – A ‘climate crisis’ has been declared in a special session during the 5th Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Leaders’ Summit and first Conference, echoing the global movement declaring ‘climate emergency.’ The PIDF Leaders’ Summit had representation from 10 of the 14 member states, which are among those most at risk […]
Pacific experiencing the realities of climate change, says expert
SUVA, 29 JULY 2019 (WANSOLWARA ONLINE NEWS) — Climate change is real and many Pacific Island countries are experiencing this reality, says climate expert Dr Jale Samuwai. Dr Samuwai became the first graduate to be awarded a PhD in climate change at The University of the South Pacific this year. Speaking at the USP graduation […]
Tuvalu bans single use plastic starting August 1
FUNAFUTI, 29 JULY 2019 (RNZ PACIFIC) — A single use plastic ban and importation levy comes into force in Tuvalu from the beginning of August to help deal with waste in the small remote islands. It’s hoped the new measures will ease pressure on an overflowing rubbish dump on Fogafale where most of the population […]
Mobilising Urgent Action and Political Will For Ocean and Climate Change
There is an urgent need for action on the ocean and climate change nexus. Our oceans, which cover three quarters of the earth’s surface, is one of the greatest and most important resources of our planet. It provides food for four out of ten people in the world and is a source of income for […]
Climate crisis not science debate anymore: Kiribati civil servant
Kiribati’s shores are eroding and they are tired of world leaders denying their responsibility for the climate crisis. Terieta Mwenwenikeaki, the small island’s Permanent Secretary for Women, Youth Sport and Social Development is in Samoa for the Pacific Games, and said the climate crisis is no longer a purely scientific discussion. “It has become part […]
ISACC project strengthens institutions in Tuvalu to access and manage climate finance
The Institutional Strengthening in Pacific island Countries to adapt to Climate Change (ISACC) project is assisting Tuvaluan practitioners who are engaged with climate change related projects. Ms. Susan Tupulaga, National Coordinator of the ISACC project in Tuvalu, said that although Tuvalu does not receive direct funding from ISACC, it receives benefits in other ways which […]
Samoa pushes climate ambition, Deputy PM tells conference
Samoa is actively engaged in discussions for the protection of areas beyond its national jurisdiction for marine biodiversity. This was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, during the recent 11th Conference of the Pacific Community on Oceans and Sustainable Development in New Caledonia last week. Mata’afa said Samoa is joining other countries in […]
Fiji’s food security and quality suceptible to climate change
Fiji’s food security and its quality’s susceptibility to climate change was highlighted during a side event of the 41st Session FAO Conference in Rome, Italy. While speaking on Fiji’s experience regarding obesity, climate change and the availability of food, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy highlighted that complex […]