Climate Change has a human face. Not only because we are responsible for creating this condition, but it is already affecting peoples lives in low laying countries. Climate Change is not some abstract debate over whether it is or isn’t real. The debate is long over, as it is impacting us now.
For example, take Ursula Rakova’s community in the Carteret Islands 86km north-east of Bougainville. She and her clan are loosing their way of life due to storm surges, erosion and rising sea levels. She will not be able to pass the island down to her children as her mother and grandmother have done so before her. This is because by the time her daughter grows up, the island will be uninhabitable.
This makes me sad, as I and others living a western lifestyle are mainly to blame for the plight bestowed upon her and many millions like her throughout the world.
Oxfam is running a series of weekly stories for the remainder of 2010, about communities throughout the globe grappling with the impacts of climate change. You can find the stories here at the Faces of climate change.
We can all do something about our personal emissions before it is too late, and while you are at it, let you local member how you feel about the slow progress by our governments regarding positive and prompt action to reduce our countries carbon emissions. It won’t hurt to try.
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for drawing attention to the plight of the low-lying Pacific islands. This problem is far more serious and pressing than most people realise (or care to acknowledge).
On this subject, I thought you might be interested to hear about the work of a good friend of mine, Andreas Lombardozzi, and his business, Nui.
Andreas has been involved in ethical trade with Pacific islanders for many years, primarily in coconut products, and (since my partner and I have been working with him) also in cocoa products.
Andreas is one of the most modest people I’ve ever met, but his work with island communities is, frankly, amazing.
So, another small way to support South Pacific islanders is to buy Nui products.
By the way, Andreas has worked directly with Ursula Rakova and her community, which you can read about at Andreas’s Organic Economy blog
Finally, if you can excuse the personal plug, my own ethical chocolate factory (which has been closed for a couple of years due to a lack of premises) is due to re-open within the next few weeks. These days we source our cocoa from the South Pacific via Andreas. Anyone who’s interested can register on our website to be notified when we’re back in business.
Gavin thanks for this link.
Also interesting to read about your above commentator, and her ethical chocolate factory. Nui products I’ve often admired, but didn’t know anything behind the business.
@ Samantha,
That is great information. Andreas sounds like a man of action. I like his website, but have not come across Nui products before. Oh and like your chocolate site as well.
@ CHFG
I agree, a very interesting comment. Cheers.