In a statement directed to the world’s rich nations. The Secretary General of the UN , António Guterres, said there will be no karaoke with climate evaders. While making the remarks at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Tonga. Guterres pointed out the challenges faced by the Pacific region’s people, noting that. ‘The Pacific is today the most vulnerable area of the world. There is an enormous injustice about the Pacific, which is why I am here.
Impact on Small Island Nations UN
SME, rather than augmenting the climate change predicament, often creates a paradox as they are referred to as the victims. “The small islands don’t contribute to climate change. But everything that happens because of climate change is multiplied here,” he said. However, he noted that this is not just a threat to these islands, saying, “Surging seas are coming for us all.”
Rising Sea Levels and Ocean Warming UN
The UN has issued two reports warning about the increased sea levels. And their implications for the coastal island states in the Pacific.
According to the World Meteorological Organization’s assessment of the State of the Climate in the South West Pacific. The fast-sinking prospect is indeed expected: there has been enhanced rise in the sea level, ocean warming. And ocean acidification linked to enhanced carbon dioxide levels. “Greenhouse gases—overwhelmingly generated by burning fossil fuels. Are cooking our planet,” Guterres stated, “The sea is taking the heat—literally.”
The theme of Transformative Resilience Tested
This document tests this year’s forum theme. Particularly on “transformative resilience,” when heavy rains overwhelmed the new auditorium and an earthquake triggered partial evacuation of the buildings. As Joseph Sikulu, Pacific director at 350. A climate change advocacy group. Put it in an interview with the, “It’s such a stark reminder of how volatile things are within our region, and how important it is that we need to prepare for everything.”
Pacific Islanders Respond with Determination
Notwithstanding the difficulties, the strength of the Pacific community was demonstrated by such events as a street parade with dancers from the region, including Torres Strait Islanders, Tongans, and Samoans. “We are not drowning; we are fighting,” and above all, “Sea levels are rising—so are we”, were some of the banners in the streets, fighting for the community that was facing the battle against climate change.
Increased Rise in Sea Levels
Previously unknown sea level rise is shown in the “Surging Seas in a Warming World” report issued by the UN Climate Action Team, which states that global mean sea levels follow a trend similar to those witnessed over the last 3000 years. Over the past thirty years, the mean sea level worldwide has responded to the increase in the seas of 9.4cm (3.7 in) over the past 30 years, with the tropics water more than averaging 15cm higher than the rest.
