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Pacific Islands are being 'hung out to dry'

Oxfam climate action: 350 Islands for Change. Takapuna Beach, Auckland. View more images

Our Pacific neighbours are on the front line of climate change. Many of the Pacific Islands are extremely low-lying, and are particularly at risk from rising sea levels and tidal surges.

Pacific people are already struggling with the effects of climate change such as:

• worsening droughts
• salination of fresh water supplies
• food shortages
• eroding coastlines
• the very real threat of being displaced

Support and leadership from developed countries responsible for the problem is essential. But with only a month until the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen begins, the New Zealand Government has yet to announce that it will contribute new funding for climate change adaptation.

• Find out what actions you can take.

More videos from the Pacific

Ursula, Carteret Islands

The Carteret Islands are being swamped by seawater, killing food gardens and forcing the population to migrate to mainland Bougainville. This is the story of Ursula Rakova, who has set up an organisation to help her people relocate with dignity and preserve their culture.

 

 

350 Islands for Change

Oxfam climate action: 350 Islands for Change. Our Pacific neighbours are on the front line of climate change. Click to play video and find out more.

On Friday October 23, 2009 Pacific Islanders waded into the sea at Takapuna beach and hung 350 T-shirts on a giant washing line. Each shirt was printed with the name of a different island, signifying that the Pacific Islands are being hung out to dry.

‘350 Islands for Change’ was organised by Oxfam as part of the ‘350 International Day of Climate Action’, involving over 5200 events in 181 countries, to highlight the insufficient action being taken to combat climate change.

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