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\nTHE International Day of Climate Action, which falls tomorrow, provides us the opportunity to focus on the impacts of climate change on our islands. <\/p>\n
There’s no denial that the impacts of climate change are already here.<\/p>\n
On the Polynesian atolls of Malaita Outer Islands for example, gardening land has already been covered by rising sea.<\/p>\n
On the island of Walande in the southern region of Malaita, villagers were forced to the mainland after rising seas swallowed up the island.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere in the country, the impacts are evident on the shorelines. <\/p>\n
Those used to live by the sea are moving upland as big waves and rising seas continue to eat away the shorelines.<\/p>\n
This is most evident in north Malaita where certain segments of the north road are not part of the ocean.<\/p>\n
So we are not just talking about something foreign when discussing climate change.<\/p>\n
It is something that is real and is right before our eyes.<\/p>\n
Changes in our climate are brought about by forces beyond our control. The blame currently lies with the developed world, where most of the carbon dioxides are produced.<\/p>\n
But that’s not to say we shouldn’t be taking any action to minimise the impacts of climate change.
As a member of the world community, we have a role to play.<\/p>\n
The current concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is already 387ppm (parts per million). <\/p>\n
350ppm is the number that scientists say is the safe maximum limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. <\/p>\n
If the level of carbon dioxide is not quickly reduced, the consequence on the world, including us, could be disastrous.<\/p>\n
International negotiations are currently underway to establish an agreement between governments for action on climate change. <\/p>\n
In order to achieve the 350ppm target, developed countries must agree to rapidly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 45% in the next ten years. <\/p>\n
On this International Day of Climate Action, people around the world in 166 countries will be raising their voice.
We will join them to call for a global agreement to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide below 350ppm and ensure our country’s survival.<\/p>\n
Before we see more of our people displaced and our islands swallowed up by rising seas, we must join the global effort to reduce the impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n
This is about our survival.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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