Is it too late to say sorry?

"Climate change is no longer some far-off problem; it is happening here; it is happening now" -  Barrack Obama

One of the wonderful things about going to a university which is so diverse and rich in culture, is that everyone has different experiences, opinions and backgrounds, giving a great reflection of different attitudes to certain topics. If you are a climate change denier or not, a certain group of people will tell you, climate change isn't something to be debated, denied or legislated against - it's an everyday reality and the biggest threat to the planet.

Figure 1: Cartoon showing the negligence of some countries towards climate change - Source: Economist

Looking at a generic world map, the bottom right hand corner belongs to these people and is most commonly referred to as the South Pacific. The South Pacific is made up of 3 groups of islands: Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia encompassing 22 small island countries. The nations are on the front line of the battle; environmentally, socially and economically with climate change.  


Like Obama said, the headache is here and it is undoubtedly a global problem. But due to the nature of the world, these small countries possess very little influence. They therefore face a substantial uphill battle to convince powerful foreign companies and the global North to take a stance against climate change and help prevent the potential catastrophic consequences which may occur in the region. 

 Video 1: Ex diplomat, Anote Tong, has been at the vanguard of raising global advocacy on climate change. In the Ted Talk above, he speaks candidly about the ramifications of climate change in his native Kiribati, climate change migration and the uncertain future of his dear nation to provide a partial overview of the topics this blog will entail.

Over the next few months, this blog will veraciously explore the numerous obstacles associated with climate change that face these South Pacific nations. In the hope that it will provide a holistic analysis of the dilemma. As well as helping raise awareness of the predicament in which the Pacific Islanders find themselves.

Figure 2: Cartoon of Kiribati sinking - Source: Boston globe

The human race is notoriously selfish, but now as a collective, we have a serious decision to make.  A lot more is at stake than just the environment. Communities, cultures, homes, customs, beliefs and languages are all at risk. So, as a global citizen of the world, I feel a moral obligation to help the South Pacific and I hope you feel the same!

I encourage you leave comments, raise points of discussion and suggest topics to investigate! 

Hope you have a good day!

Wells