Tuvalu
The tiny nation of Tuvalu is facing a crisis. A number of the islands including the capital Funafuti are suffering acute water shortages. On the island of Nukulaelae it is estimated that without intervention the water supplies would have run out by week’s end.
Australia and New Zealand are immediately responding by shipping in temporary desalination plants and fresh water supplies and helping repair existing desalination units. Water tanks, the great bulk of which have been supplied through Australian aid, are part of the longer term solution.
Yet water tanks are only of use if it rains. And here, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu is experiencing a drought.
While the international spotlight on Cancun may not have shone as brightly as it did in Copenhagen a year ago, the problem of climate change is no less severe.
A few weeks ago a number of small island states, along with Australia and some great powers like the US and China, met on the island of Tarawa in Kiribati to try and highlight the plight of island states and build some momentum going into Cancun.
Continue reading "Small islands + climate change = big problem" »
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Concerned Citizen says:
Dear Mr Marles, As a Geelong resident and now an all knowing climate change guru please tell me why your are not encouraging your home town to stop wasting millions on its forshore, as alas it will be below sea level soon. Mr Marles are we safe from innundation too… Read more »
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Alby says:
Lee, I agree. James, nothing I could say will help you. Read more »
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