In 2013, we were laying the foundations

On March 2nd, 2013, we stirred up the warrior energy of 14 Pacific Island nations and territories, by showing the incredible and unique warrior dances of our peoples in the face of climate change. It was a powerful moment that declared, “We are not drowning, we are fighting”. Now it is time to take that warrior energy to the root of the problem and raise our voices against climate change. The change we are fighting for is more renewable energies, greater environmental responsibility, and a sustainable future for all.

The Pacific Islands are already world leaders in turning to renewable energy – countries like Tokelau are 100% powered by solar energy. Pacific Islanders are working very hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and our endeavours proved that when the will is there, it’s definitely possible!

Now it’s time to move into the next phase of our campaign

Despite the good work in the Pacific, many of the countries most responsible for climate change are doing next to nothing to curb emissions.

Australia is our biggest neighbour, home to many Pacific Islanders and a historic supporter of the Pacific Islands. Despite their close ties to our Islands, the fossil fuel industry, with the support of Australian governments and big lenders, are planning to build gigantic new coal mines that would double Australia’s coal exports. These exports already operate on a scale that is almost unimaginable. By 2020, they’ll be digging up enough coal to fill a coal train and wrap it 4.5 times around the world. They know no limits.

All this coal will have a devastating impact on the Pacific Islands. If they proceed with their plans to dig it up, we risk losing many of our islands to sea level rise, our homes to stronger cyclones, our crops to longer droughts, and our oceans will suffer devastation. We cannot let this happen.

In 2014, the Pacific Climate Warriors are laying down the challenge!

That is why this year, we are calling on Pacific Warriors to journey with us to Australia, to show that there must be limits to how much coal they dig up. Warriors will take traditional canoes made in the Islands and deliver these, in a colourful and energetic display, to major supporters of the fossil fuel industry. We will show the fossil fuel industry that Pacific Islanders will fight peacefully to protect their cultures, their homelands and their oceans.