Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have emphasised the need for action on climate change saying it is the single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and well-being of Pacific people.
The point was made often as Forum Leaders and Ministers addressed the the 73
rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Samoan
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said “The Pacific region is already facing the destructive impacts of climate change and disasters. Cyclones, floods, droughts. Sea level rise and ocean acidification are taking their toll on the health and well-being of our peoples, environment and economies. Disaster related economic losses in Pacific island countries as a percentage of GDP are higher than almost anywhere else in the world.”
“Our people are waiting, the world is watching. It is incumbent on each individual leader and country to raise the level of ambition not just as an inspirational goal, but as deliverables of the
Paris Agreement. For the Pacific peoples and our
Blue Pacific region, urgent ambitious action on climate change is the only option.”