IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS GAINING MOMENTUM

Solomon Islanders have been encouraged to speak out on the effects of Climate Change that they experience, to contribute to the many global efforts in addressing climate change.

Attorney Takaaki Kagohashi, Executive Director of the Japan Environmental Federation (JELF) said that Solomon Islanders including villagers, must voice their negative experience with climate change effects. 
He said that the effects of climate change are very real and should not be treated as normal. 

http://www.gcca.eu/national-programmes/pacific/the-solomon-islands-climate-assistance-programme

‘There are reported incidents where islanders have been relocated because their islands are sinking, food gardens affected because of soil salinity, irregular weather patterns, these and many more evidences are high priority concerns,’ said the JELF Director. 


It is very unfair that innocent islanders including Solomon Islanders are living evidential subjects of climate change brought about by developed countries and big corporations who emit large amounts of Greenhouse gases. 


He said his organization is committed to assist Solomon islanders speak out to have their situation recognized by the big emitting countries and corporations.

Atty Kagohashi said by voicing out their concerns, developed countries and big corporations must make meaningful and real commitments to address the effects of Climate Change. 


Meanwhile local NGO, the Network of the Indigenous Peoples-Solomons (NIPS) said that carbon offset and other mechanisms strategized to address global warming are insufficient without recognizing and respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples to equally share the world we are living in with the developed countries and big multinational corporations who emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. 


NIPS echoed scientific studies and practical experiences have proven that Indigenous Peoples as a universal group are the most directly and profoundly affected by climate change throughout the world. 


NIPS supported JELF’s position for the Indigenous Solomon Islands to speak out and added its call for the developed countries and big corporations to stop the destruction of nature, Mother Earth for indigenous peoples, and therefore demand the paralyzation of extractive mega-projects on indigenous lands and fragile ecosystems that accentuate the impacts of climate change.