‘Teaching our children from books, not the sea’: how climate change is eroding human rights in Vanuatu
9 Nov 2022
There’s a lot at stake over the next fortnight as nations gather at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt. But the stakes are perhaps highest for the Pacific islands and their people.
Like other Pacific island nations, Vanuatu is highly exposed to climate change effects such as sea-level rise, coral bleaching and extreme tropical cyclones. In fact, the sea level around Vanuatu has risen by around 6mm per year since 1993, a rate nearly twice the global average.
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Pacific Island nations support China's Taiwan claims at high-profile foreign ministers' meeting
Fri 30 May 2025
Pacific nations have backed China's claim over Taiwan during a high-profile meeting, but have shied away from directly endorsing Beijing's push to "reunify" the democratically ruled island with the mainland.
We bear the brunt of the climate crisis. A Pacific COP could help shape the global response
Tue 27 May 2025
COMMENT: By hosting next year’s climate conference together with the Pacific, Australia would have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to both catalyse its own clean transition to a decarbonised economy and to elevate its relationship with the Pacific.
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A new 'golden passport' scheme aims to raise funds to relocate people inland as climate change raises sea levels.
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The New Zealand government is stumping up a $25 million grant to help 14 Pacific Island nations manage one third of the world's tuna in the face of the climate crisis.
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3 Feb 2025
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Palau plans to allow more fishing in its marine sanctuary, as countries across the region seek to balance conservation with economic needs.
Tuvalu: The disappearing island nation recreating itself in the metaverse
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Facing erasure due to climate change, the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu is digitally backing up everything from its houses to its trees as it endeavors to save whatever it can.
NZ adopts 'underwhelming' Commonwealth Ocean Declaration
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Commonwealth nations including Aotearoa and Pacific Island states have adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.
PNG will not attend UN COP29 summit: Foreign Minister Tkatchenko
30 Oct 2024
Tkatchenko said: “Papua New Guinea is making this stand for the benefit of all small island nations. We will no longer tolerate empty promises and inaction, while our people suffer the devastating consequences of climate change.”
Climate on the agenda at Commonwealth heads of govt meeting
22 Oct 2024
Climate change and the fate of global oceans will be in sharp focus at the meeting in Samoa, which will feature King Charles and possibly Elon Musk.
