Over the last three years, organisers in every Pacific Island nation and territory have got in behind the 350.org days of action – with a passion. Now as we begin to connect the dots between weather extremes and climate change, it’s even more important that we keep a spotlight on those that are on the frontline of the climate crisis. Not in our words, but in their words.

That’s why this month, 350 Pacific has launched a new story-telling initiative – each month we’ll be putting the spotlight on a different Pacific Island nation. We’ll provide updates of current and future climate trends for each Island nation, along with interviews and stories from local organisers on the ground. We’ve just kicked off with a spotlight on the Republic of Nauru. Keep reading for some snippets from the deeply inspiring interview with Nauru’s queen of organising, Ann Hubert. For the full story click through to pacific.350.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter: @350Pacific

“Nauru once used to be an island with a beautiful and rich forest but after the destruction of this natural resource, the land is now left barren, making life tougher for its inhabitants.

“But what people do not know about Nauruans is that they are RESILIENT. They have experienced the “golden days” and now endure more than just political instability,” Ann says.

Today, land degradation and climate change play alongside other pressing issues that cause concern, stress and the need to make changes. The locals push through their lives, one-day-at-a-time.

“We see and feel the rapid changes and on-going challenges which include health issues that present themselves daily at all levels. We have lost many values from our past, which include words in our language, traditional skills and activities, culture and respect for the land and sea. Climate change is a contributing factor to these issues and only makes things worse,” explains Ann.

…“Even the worst case scenario – which is very much possible – of losing Nauru because of climate change or the idea of migration is still very unreal as our people are still in a transition phase already suffering from other national issues and climate change has become just ‘another problem’ on top of several other daily struggles,” Ann explains.”

For the full story, click here

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