KOROR, Palau: Pacific leaders warned yesterday that entire island nations will disappear under the waves unless action is taken to address climate change.
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wrapped up its annual meeting in Palau with a call to action on the issue of global warming, with the 15-nation regional grouping saying there was no excuse not to act to curb climate change.
“We all know the causes of climate change, we know the solutions,” Samoa Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi told reporters after releasing a communique from the three-day meeting.
“All that is left is decisive action from leaders with the courage to do what needs to be done to save the world.”
Malielegaoi said Pacific island nations, some of which are barely one metre (three foot) above sea level, were at the forefront of the climate change issue because it was a matter of survival for them.
“The reason for the very strong stance put forward by Pacific island countries is that we are the most vulnerable. Many of our states will disappear under the ocean if climate change is allowed to continue.”
AFP
