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Statement delivered by Nauru on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) 23 June 2014, United Nations, New York Distinguished Co-Chairs, At the outset allow me to commend you for the stellar work in which you have steered the process of the Preparatory Committee Meetings for the Third International Conference on Small Island… Continue reading Final Preparatory Committee for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Pacific leaders from vulnerable low-lying countries have criticised Australia’s regressive moves on climate change. During the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, where climate and energy issues were expected to be high on the agenda, and on the heels of an effort by Australia to build an international coalition against putting a price on… Continue reading Pacific presidents speak out against Australia’s stand on climate change

The UN General Assembly declared 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States to celebrate the contributions that this group of countries and territories has made to the world. These small islands are home to vibrant and distinct cultures and heritage as well as to rich ecosystems, biodiversity and dazzling landscapes. But the… Continue reading UNEP World Environment Day Focuses on SIDS

The International Year of SIDS provides an important opportunity to call attention to a number of issues of grave concern to SIDS, including of course the subject at hand today: biodiversity and we are pleased to be here to discuss especially island biodiversity. Island species are unique in their vulnerability and of the over 700… Continue reading May 22: International Day For (Island) Biodiversity

While the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will come as no surprise to the citizens of Small Island Developing States who have been living with increasingly severe impacts of climate change for years, it does underscore the need for urgent action from the international community to keep them from spinning beyond… Continue reading IPCC REPORT Underscores Need For Near-Term Effort

The New York Times has published a powerful photo essay about the impending danger of sea level rise with pictures from  Fiji and Kiribati. “Globally, sea levels have risen eight to 10 inches since 1880, but several studies show that trend accelerating as Arctic sea ice melts. If carbon emissions continue unchecked, a recent survey of… Continue reading NYT Photo Essay Sends Powerful Message About Risks to SIDS

Nauru President Baron Waqa’s, remarks delivered  on behalf of AOSIS: What an honor it is to join you in commemorating the launch of the International Year of Small Island Developing States. The story of the world’s island people is one of struggle and fortitude. It traces the journey of our ancestors who set out across vast… Continue reading UN Launches International Year of SIDS

As was reported in RTCC and regional news sources, the Fijian village of Vunidogolo has become the first to be relocated under the country’s climate change programme. Rising sea levels forced the community to abandon their traditional compound, according to reports in the Fiji Times. Locals say effect of climate change has resulted in seawater… Continue reading Reports: Fiji latest country to relocate climate refugees