CLIMATE FINANCE

Climate Change is a cross cutting issue and needs a collaborative effort from every fields to address, 
NOT just a matter for those in the field of science. 

This is a message from a newly Graduated Dr of Philosophy on Climate Change, specifically on the area of Adaptation and Climate Finance, Dr Michael Ha'apio. 

An abandoned home in Avaha, Lord Howe Atoll  (Solomon Islands) due to climate change impact in smaller islands 

Dr. Ha'apio says in order for the country to be resilient to the impacts of climate change, 
various fields must work together. 

"Climate change is a big issue in the country at the moment. And there are policies and directions that we need to help people to adapt to climate change impacts. The country is in fact lacking in climate finance, and if we need to be effective in our resilience, we need finance, we need adaptation, we need all these. it is important to address climate change issue, not only in scientific perspective, but also in adaptation and financial perspective as well."   

He adds, all country men and women must work together despite their different fields of study backgrounds 
to help the Solomon Islands' communities to be resilient towards climate change effects. 

"Climate change is a cross cutting issue that has impacted every areas of our communities.
And if we were t9o address these issue we have to address it from various dimensions as well, 
which requires collective efforts."

Recently, during the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu, Pacific Leaders launched a "Blue Pacific Continent" Strategy which aims collectively address
the issue of climate change in the region.

Fishermen in Lord Howe atoll, Solomon Islands

Upon his return from Tuvalu, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, "Alone, we are helpless, together, we can help each other to address the issue."

The Solomon Islands is currently under severe threat of climate change, where some of the atoll 
outliers seeking refuge in bigger islands.      

by Allen Waitara and Charley Piringi

BLUE PACIFIC CONTINENT

After a week of Pacific Islands intensive talks  in Tuvalu, on issues facing the Pacific Islands where climate change is at the top of the agendas, Pacific Leaders agreed and have launched a "Blue Pacific Continent Strategy".

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said, climate change must be 'addressed collectively.'

Modern Day Climate Change Refugees seeking refuge. 

Climate refugees seeking refuge

Climate Refugees seeking refuge

By PIRINGI

Residents of Luaniua and Pelau in the Malaita Outer- Islands could be the country's first official modern day Climate refugees. 

The House of Chiefs from both Luaniua and Pelau are now seeking Government assistance to be officially relocated to a bigger island as survival becomes tougher on their Climate Change stricken Atolls.

Spokesman for the two house of chiefs, Chris Keungi said, Malaita outer islands has always been the example when National Government discuss Climate Change effects with international organisations or bilateral partners.

The sad reality, he adds, is that nothing tangible has reached his people when it comes to Climate Resilience assistance and so their hope of survival on the Atolls is fading fast.

"We were always at the forefront of international climate change discussion, but when it comes to tangible support at our islands, it's almost nothing. All we need now is for the government to relocate some of our people to bigger islands.
If they can do it for foreign Gilbertese here, why not us, indigenous Solomon Islanders?" 

He said, food insecurity as a result of the effects of climate change is now their main worry.

Mr. Keungi said, the future of their future generations is now uncertain.

"The future of our children remain uncertain, as we don't know where else to escape the onslaught of climate change."

Meanwhile, SIBC TV understands, the government is still working on its climate change refugee policy.

But during the recent Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu, climate change was among top priority in the agenda.

"On his arrival from the Tuvalu Forum Leaders Meeting, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare assures citizens that the newly launched 'Blue Pacific Continent Strategy', we are looking at address climate change issue collectively.  Alone, we are doing nothing. We must work together with our Pacific neighbours."

With the newly launched Blue Pacific Continent Strategy,  we are looking addressing the issues collectively 

Extreme weather events in the country in recent years serve as a forewarning of the impacts on the environment that are likely to occur due to climate change.

Climate change also poses risks to natural ecosystems such as the coastal and marine environments, fisheries, agriculture, water resources, health, biodiversity, infrastructure and industry.