Fiji intends to work with its Pacific neighbours to lead the charge at the World Climate Summit in Paris at the end of November.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama reiterated this commitment at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, last Friday.

He said every Pacific country was affected in one way or another. Three nations – Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands – their very existence is threatened by the rising seas.

Addressing the MSG leaders the Prime Minister said – “I want to again urge you all – my fellow Melanesian leaders – to join me in a concerted effort to make the world finally sit up and take notice.”

Surely, the time for talking on climate change is over. The time for radical action is now. We must all make sure that the entire world recognises this seminal issue for our wellbeing and survival in the Pacific and finally take the necessary action.

While Fiji’s campaign is still to gain the appropriate attention of some of its bigger neighbours, – notably Australia – it has solid support across the world from others such as the member countries of the European Union.

The overwhelming evidence is that the earth is warming and will heat further without concerted action.

Be reminded the effects of climate change can be managed. In most cases, though, the solutions require some sacrifice, for the common good.

It is not only the rising sea levels that are already threatening our communities. It is the extreme weather events that are accompanying global warming

MSG leaders must all intensify their efforts in the area of climate change resilience at the same time as they try to persuade the global community to act.

Fiji is making resilience a national priority and other Pacific island countries must follow suit.

During Tropical Cyclone Evan, two years ago, Fiji suffered no loss of life. This was because of proper planning.

Now Fiji stands ready to assist MSG countries if they would like to learn from aspects of its experience.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said – “Climate change does not respect borders; it does not respect who you are – rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call ‘global challenges,’ which require global solidarity.”

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