Local Group: 350 Tuvalu
“On a day to day basis, it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope, as the adverse effects of climate change continue to escalate.”
– Armstrong Asapo, 350 Tuvalu.
What is 350 Tuvalu all about?
Established in 2012, 350 Tuvalu believes in collective activism as a means of combating climate change. Together with other 350 groups around the globe, 350 Tuvalu believes that it is their responsibility to voice their concerns and raise the important issues of climate change with superpowers around the world. Our collective voice is one of our most powerful tools by which we can pressure those responsible for the majority of greenhouse gases to reduce their emissions.
While 350 Tuvalu has large global ambitions, our dedicated group is small. Lead by their passionate teacher and climate change activist Armstrong, the group mainly comprises of passionate school children from the Motufoua Secondary School (pictured below). They often meet after school to discuss local climate change warrior campaigns, awareness programs, and clean up campaigns.
What climate changes are occurring in Tuvalu, and what’s next?
- Temperatures have increased dramatically, and will continue to increase: In the capital city Funafuti, maximum temperatures have increased quite quickly, at a rate of .21°C each decade since 1950.
- The surrounding ocean is becoming increasingly more acidic: About one quarter of human produced CO2 is absorbed by oceans, making them more acidic. This affects the growth of corals, and entire marine food chains.
- Sea levels have risen: Since 1993, sea level has risen a total of 9cm, at a rate of .5mm a year on average. This is quicker than the global average – and points to more damaging and disruptive storm surges in the future.
- More intense tropical cyclones: While it’s predicted there may be less tropical cyclones, their intensity will increase. This means faster wind speeds, and greater rainfall intensity.
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More detailed information from the Australian Government’s ‘Pacific Climate Change Science Program’ can be downloaded here –> Tuvalu Climate Change Factsheet PDF.
What is Tuvalu’s Government doing to combat climate change?
Building upon its previous good work in the climatic sector, Tuvalu released its National Strategic Action Plan for climate change and disaster risk management for 2012 to 2016. The document emphasises the Government of Tuvalu’s dedication to building Tuvalu’s capacity at all levels to adapt to climate change, as well as providing information on a number of strategies and policies. The document an be viewed by clicking here.
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What’s the overriding message of the campaign?
We believe the main message of the campaign is the campaign itself. By getting a number of school children involved we can help teach the younger generation about climate change, and what the future may look like. Additionally, the kids gain valuable experience in organisation and leadership, which we hope they can promote to their friends and families. A second major message is one which runs throughout 350’s current campaigns, which is one of belief! It’s up to the people of the Pacific Islands to stand up and create the change they wish to see. So, the awareness programs and clean up campaigns around the islands help further this message.
What’s next for 350 Tuvalu?
As the adverse impacts of climate change continue to grow unabated, so too must the Pacific Island warrior campaigns against climate change. 350 Tuvalu is hoping to increase its member base in 2014, and is looking forward to coordinator training which will occur in early 2014. Beyond this, we hope awareness campaigns and clean up campaigns will continue, and we will be involved in 350 Pacific’s ongoing programs too!
Contact 350 Tuvalu
350 Tuvalu is always looking for more local members! If you’d like to contact us or get involved on the ground, please email [email protected].
