These photos are just in from the 350 Fiji team – a powerful demonstration of warrior energy. They’re putting that fierce and powerful energy in behind everyone showing up in Washington, DC this weekend for the Forward on Climate rally, and in the push for President Obama to deny the Keystone XL pipeline.
This was also the launch of a Pacific-wide Warrior Day of Action, with the message “We are not drowning. We are fighting.” On March 2nd, Pacific Islanders across 15 Pacific Island nations and territories will be mobilising at prominent locations to perform their unique war challenges, songs, and dances. There’s a common perception that the Pacific Islands are drowning from sea-level rise. While it’s true that in the coming decades, sea-level rise will challenge the existence of the low-lying atoll nations and coastal areas of any island, it’s not yet time to give up on the Islands. Over the last few years I’ve had the privilege of working with 350.org organisers across the Pacific Islands. I’m always inspired by how dedicated they are to not giving up or being victimised – and how committed they are to creating a bright and exciting future for their islands. So it’s time to change the global narrative of the Pacific Islands – from drowning and victimisation, to building the power to fight the fossil fuel industry, and climate change. And as the global climate movement, it’s our job to never give up on them, and to fight every step of the way with them.
The Warrior Day of Action is the start of a wider campaign where 350 organisers across the Pacific Islands will be doing all they can to pressure and shift the power away from the fossil fuel industry and politicians. Help us SHARE the voices of our Pacific Island brothers and sisters, by sharing this blog around on email and on social media – and stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
You can find out more about the Warrior Day of Action here, and if you’re reading this from the Pacific, sign the 350 Pacific vision and pledge here.
A massive shout out to our key partners, UNICEF Pacific and the Pacific Voyagers Foundation.