We're one week out from Moving Planet – and organisers in every one of the 17 Pacific Island nations and territories are about to switch into loud mode. For the last two global days of action the Pacific region has mobilised strongly. But it's becoming clear that we haven't seen anything yet. Over the next week, we'll be hearing and seeing stories of a Pacific youth climate movement that is taking flight.
In Tonga, the team will be officially opening the Moving Planet day of action – as the very first nation to see the sun rise on September 24th. They'll be doing it in true Tongan style, with prayers and blessings offered by a local village priest at dawn, followed by some beautiful singing by the local choir.
In Tuvalu, as one of the most vulnerable atoll nations, they'll be performing a series of disaster drills, and evacuation exercises to be prepared in times of risk – such as ocean swimming classes and lessons on how to understand weather maps. Tuvalu has just gone through 3 months of drought, and so the organisers there are desperate to make their voice heard and they're desperate for the world to break the cycle of inaction on climate change.
But perhaps one of the most moving pieces has come from our young organisers in American Samoa, Suluama Fa'aiuaso (16) and Erizo Esau (16) who wrote this in a recent opinion piece in the Samoan Times:
"Most Samoan elders can remember a time when American Samoa was at its most pristine. We can tell you now that we only remember American Samoa as it is now; in desperate need of handlers and supportive people who are willing to return her to her former glory. We are American Samoa's future generation who will, if we continue on this path, be the ones to have to face the consequences of the actions taken today. If we do not deal with this problem immediately, future generations will be brought into a catastrophic and tumultuous world that got that way only because of negligence on our part as the generation now. The American Samoa 350 youth have organized a pre-kickoff conference on September 17. This will be our first step in moving forward towards the right direction. We have had enough of broken promises and negotiations on your part, it is time for us- the youth- to take back our future and make a difference before it is too late."
So know that through whatever struggle you are leading to tackle the climate crisis, you have brothers and sisters in every Pacific Island nation who are walking beside you – every step of the way. You can stay updated and excited about the action from our Pacific team on the newly launched 350 Pacific Facebook page. Check it out and help the Pacific go loud!