Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Global Voices

    Meet the Pacific Islanders fighting for climate action at COP26

    "We are resilient people, but we recognise the need for other countries to build their resilience as well if we are to have a fighting chance!"
    by Mong Palatino Nov 10, 2021 3 minutes

    Originally published on Global Voices

    Climate activists from the Pacific during a protest action in Glasgow. Photo from a 350 Pacific Twitter post

    Young climate activists from Pacific Island nations were among those who joined protests at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. From speaking in front of world leaders to marching with fellow environmentalists in the streets of Glasgow, young Pacific Islanders were able to highlight the destructive impact of climate change in their communities. This year, only three Pacific leaders were able to travel to Glasgow, which made the participation of young Pacific activists in COP26 more meaningful.

    Pacific Island leaders have identified the climate crisis as the single biggest threat in their region as many small islands are at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels. They are calling for bolder commitment and global action to address climate change.

    Selina N. Leem from the Marshall Islands delivered an opening statement for the World Leaders Summit. She talked about the need to link the climate crisis with other social problems such as unemployment, poverty, and deterioration of public health.

    Brianna Fruean from Samoa reminded global leaders about the power of words to reframe the world. She also echoed the “warrior cry” of climate justice advocates in the Pacific: “We are not drowning, we are fighting.”

    A manifesto signed by young environmentalists in the Pacific was presented to the Secretary-General of the Pacific Island Forum and the Prime Minister of Fiji.

    Dylan Kava from Fiji was among those who joined a forum organized by the UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. He wrote about what he felt and said during the event:

    I have to constantly remind myself that I am here to represent young Pacific voices and I need to push past being uncomfortable and be able to hold space for our people who are here in spirit.

    During the first day of COP26, Dylan Kava wrote about the importance of listening to the stories of Pacific Island communities:

    Pacific voices are so important in spaces like COP. It is our stories that links the science and projections behind the climate crisis to REAL LIFE consequences and experiences.

    We are resilient people, but we recognise the need for other countries to build their resilience as well if we are to have a fighting chance!

    The young activists from the Pacific were also part of the street marches in Glasgow:

    Observers noted the powerful symbolism of young Pacific Islanders uniting for climate justice:

    Lorenzo Raplili represented Vanuatu in the COP26 events

    Tishiko King represented the Kulkalgal Nation to talk about how Australia’s Aboriginal communities are suffering from dirty development projects.

    I have seen the impacts of our islands being washed away from rising sea levels, exposing the bones of my ancestors. Likewise, many Aboriginal communities on the frontlines of dangerous gas fracking, and are fighting to protect their country, culture and water and our future.

    Originally published in Global Voices.

    More from Global Voices

    Global Voices5 min readCrime & Violence
    How One Jamaican Woman’s Trauma Inspired A ‘Circle Of Care’ For Survivors Of Sexual Abuse
    Having been abused herself, Alicia Bowen-McCulskie “envisioned safe spaces and opportunities for women and girls to access psychosocial support, resources and the care needed to aid in their healing process.”
    Global Voices6 min read
    Judith Suminwa Tuluka, The DRC's First Woman Prime Minister
    With Judith Suminwa Tuluka's appointment as prime minister, the DRC enters the group of nations with a woman leading the government.
    Global Voices5 min read
    Togo: Reaction To Opponent Agbéyomé Kodjo’s Death While In Exile
    It has become increasingly common for opponents of the Togolese regime to live out their lives in exile. The latest was Agbéyomé Kodjo, who died in Ghana on March 3, 2024.

    Related Books & Audiobooks