Leaders at the Pacific Island Development Forum summit have asked the world to open their eyes to the reality of climate change.
Kiribati President, Anote Tong, says there needs to be agreed principles on the dignified treatment of any people who flee their island homes due to climate change.
He has entirely rejected the idea of Pacific Islanders being labelled ‘climate change refugees.’
Tong even suggests that Kiribati would explore the idea of floating islands if any such technology should present itself in the future – just so that they can save a little piece of their home.
United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change Ambassador Mary Robinson says climate change is an injustice on small islands states and other countries paying the price of actions for which they aren’t responsible.
She also says it’s a human rights issue faced around the world.
